Meet Dr. Vicki Cruz
A Houston-based community leader and founder of Mission One USA, passionately committed to breaking the cycle of dysfunction and empowering the next generation through education, advocacy, and community unity.
“A Heart for Houston: Leading with Purpose and Passion”
I have been a dedicated servant to the Houston community, leading and supporting countless philanthropic initiatives.
“They said I’d be just another statistic—a Mexican American woman on welfare—but that’s not my story”.
She is the founder of Mission One USA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to empower Houston through education and collaboration, all with the goal of fostering unity in the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while serving as a Wraparound Specialist within HISD, she created the HERO student program—an initiative that has since become my signature work in uplifting students and families across the city.
Once told she’d be just another statistic, she broke the mold—earning her Doctorate in Education and founding Mission One USA, a nonprofit dedicated to uniting and empowering communities through education and collaboration.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Vicki Cruz is a powerhouse speaker who transforms hearts and minds with her powerful story of resilience and purpose. Her talks are perfect for schools, conferences, leadership summits, and community events, covering topics such as:
Teenage pregnancy prevention and education
Dr. Cruz has lived the extraordinary challenge of being a teen age pregnant mother.
Breaking cycles of family dysfunction
In 2025, Dr. Cruz lost her younger sister to drugs. This was a life defining moment to speak about generational dysfunction.
Teen empowerment and leadership
In 2025, Dr. Cruz and the HERO Team she assembled are on target to empower 10,000 high school students.
Building grit and mental toughness
Against all odds, Dr. Cruz worked three or more jobs as a single mom to make a name for herself.
The power of education as a gateway to success
Dr. Cruz is an Ordained Officiant with a distinguished academic background, holding dual master’s degrees and a doctorate in education.
Overcoming barriers in underserved communities
Mission One USA is the vehicle Dr. Cruz created to break through barriers. Having overcome incredible obstacles herself, she is now dedicated to empowering the next generation to do the same.
Work/Projects Experience
Dr. Vicki Cruz is a results-driven Corporate Trainer with decades of experience helping organizations optimize performance and drive sustainable growth. With a deep background in Human Resources and organizational development, she has successfully led initiatives in corporate acquisitions, compliance, and team transformation. Known for her ability to connect strategy with people, Dr. Cruz delivers dynamic training that aligns operations with vision—empowering teams at every level to thrive.
2020-2025
The HERO Student Program is a transformative initiative designed to empower youth with core values that build character and resilience. Centered around the principles of being Helpful, Encouraging, Respectful, and On-Task, HERO equips students with the mindset and tools to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially
2018-2025
Mission One USA is a nonprofit organization founded to bring unity and empowerment to communities across the Greater Houston area. Through education, collaboration, and grassroots initiatives, Mission One USA supports underserved populations and inspires lasting change—one mission, one person at a time.
Her core competencies include:
If your audience is ready to be moved, motivated, and mobilized—Dr. Vicki Cruz is the speaker who delivers.
Corporate acquisitions and organizational integration
Human Resources systems and leadership development
Process management and
operational efficiency
Audits, reconciliation, and
regulatory compliance
Mediation and conflict resolution
Group dynamics and team building
Whether you’re scaling your business, navigating transitions, or building high-performing teams, Dr. Vicki Cruz brings the clarity, strategy, and motivation to get you there.