
Laura DaCruz, Alumni Engagement Coordinator (she/her)
The daughter of a philosophy professor and an anti-pipeline activist, I was born and raised in small-town Appalachia before spending a life-changing year with JVC Northwest. I served in Billings, MT (’15-16) in an addiction treatment center, where I helped young foster children and their mothers strengthen familial bonds. I fell in love with Billings and spent a few more years there deepening my passions for environmental justice, spirituality, and women’s issues. My path eventually led me to divinity school, and in 2021, I received an M.A. in Social Transformation from Pacific School of Religion.
In a world that breeds isolation and disembodiment, I’m passionate about creating spaces where people can truly be there for each other. In the words of the great Dorothy Day, I want to help create “the kind of society where it is easier to be good.” I love thrifting, playing my guitar, horseback riding, reading (more) theology, and cooking. I’m also holding tight to my Someday Dreams, which include raising goats and chickens, and leading my first all-women’s backpacking trip.
I’m honored and humbled to be a part of the team at JVC Northwest!
Want to contact Laura? Email her or contact her at 971.353.6776.