Karily Dean Cruz, M.A

SMU 🐎 Doctoral Student I McLean 6th Grade Center Principal I▪️She/Her▪️I

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@RodriguezTAG_PG @ahsadallas Gracias amiga

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@sammykaranja123 @SMUEdLeader Thank you

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Hooding Ceremony #SimmonsEDL @SMUEdLeader #Doctora

[SMU Education Policy and Leadership @SMU_EPL]

Commencement is tomorrow! 🎓 Today’s #EdDSpotlight2026 features @KarilyCruz, whose research uplifts first‑generation Latinas and shows how care, mentorship, and familismo shape their college journeys. She calls on institutions to center relationality in equitable pathways.

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@jackson_marion @SMUEdLeader Thank you, #ponyup

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Wrapping up our final SSC meeting of the 2025–2026 school year! Huge thanks to our parents, teachers, staff, & school community for an amazing year of growth, collaboration, & student support. Ending the year with floats was the perfect way to celebrate together!

[Roberto Gonzalez @DrGplus1]

Another night celebrating excellence. Proud to celebrate with Ms. Arett from Solar Girls as she receives the TI Innovation in STEM Award — @Region6_DISD @SolarSTEAMGirls

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Across our district, NVUSD, teachers and leaders collaborated to strengthen PLC practices, internalize priority standards, and build stronger vertical alignment across grade levels. Grateful for educators committed to continuous growth and improving outcomes for all students.

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Honored to meet former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona. Appreciated the conversation about expanding opportunity through education and preparing the next generation of leaders.
#RepresentationMatters #Education #StudentSuccess #OpportunityForAll

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@Olga007 @IrvingISD @iInstructIrving 💯

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Feliz Navidad 🎄

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Heading home for the holidays!

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@Tanya_N_Shelton @I_ColonMoya Thank you Dr. Shelton!

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

Let me introduce myself… I’m Dr. Dean Cruz 🥹🎓Dissertation successfully defended! #SMU #PonyUp #OneMoreSemester

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@MrJChoice1 Thank you

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

#NewProfilePic

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@I_ColonMoya Gracias!

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@N_Bernardino Thank you Dra! #PonyUp

[Dra. Olga Romero @Olga007]

Join me in celebrating @KarilyCruz who officially joined the .25% of Latinas with a doctorate. Bienvenida, Dr. Dean Cruz and PONY UP!! @SMUEdLeader @SMU

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@Olga007 @SMUEdLeader @SMU #PonyUp Gracias por celebrar este logró!

[Karily Dean Cruz, M.A @KarilyCruz]

@Msmelrincon Thank you Dr. Rincon!