Dr. Michelle Cruz is a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow with the City of Newport News and a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, where she earned a Master in Public Administration. A policy strategist with a background in community engagement, economic development, and veterans' advocacy, she works with city leadership to advance downtown revitalization through innovative public-private partnerships and resident-centered strategies. Dr. Cruz brings a collaborative approach to building vibrant, resilient communities and strengthening local government innovation.