Pedro Cruz is the inaugural Executive Director of the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement & Advancement (OYEA), launched under the Wu Administration in 2023. Over the past few years, Pedro has led the office in building its foundation and shaping a citywide vision for youth leadership, equity, and opportunity. Under his leadership, OYEA has built a network of 1,700 youth-serving professionals across 450+ youth-serving organizations to help break down the silos and to better serve the young residents of Boston. His office launched Boston After Dark to provide safe and vibrant evening programming, and deepened investments in civic engagement through initiatives like the Mayor’s Youth Council and the Mayor’s Youth Summit. His work has positioned OYEA as a central hub for elevating youth voices and ensuring young people are at the forefront of decision-making in Boston.
A lifelong Bostonian, first-generation Puerto Rican, and proud Boston Public Schools graduate, Pedro brings his lived experience and organizing background to every aspect of his work. Before stepping into city government, he directed IBA’s Youth Development Program in Villa Victoria, where he created innovative programming, mentorship opportunities, and learning pods during the pandemic that ensured youth remained connected and supported. His ability to combine creative arts, civic engagement, and community-building continues to guide his approach in building sustainable systems of support for Boston’s young people.
Pedro is also a graduate of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) where he sharpened his management and leadership skills. The INP is a rigorous program that demands reading and learning about the field’s best practices. Pedro was accepted into the program with a full scholarship and recently graduated from the INP program. Known as an effective communicator and coalition-builder, he has strengthened cross-sector partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and city agencies to expand opportunities and resources for young people. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to equity, representation, and amplifying youth voices in civic life.
Beyond his professional work, Pedro is a proud father of three daughters and an accomplished artist, and a lifelong youth advocate. He remains deeply connected to his roots and community, believing that every young person in Boston deserves access to safe spaces, creative opportunities, and pathways to thrive as the city’s next generation of leaders.