Meet Theresa Cruz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Theresa Cruz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Theresa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I didn’t find my purpose—it found me. And I know without a doubt that it came from God. Every step of this journey has been guided by Him. For years, I worked in roles that served the Hispanic community—helping families navigate school systems, access resources, and find a sense of belonging in a world that often didn’t speak their language. I saw their struggles up close, and my heart ached knowing how much they were trying to hold together with so little support.

I prayed and prayed, asking God to show me what more I could do. The answer came clearly: Trust Me, and go all in. So, I did. I left my job and stepped out in faith to create FIESTA. No funding, no guarantees—just a calling. I didn’t have a grand plan, but I had faith. And honestly, God is my business plan.

Today, FIESTA isn’t just an organization—it’s a ministry. We serve Hispanic families with culturally relevant food, connections to vital resources, education, mental health support, and most importantly, dignity. I’ve seen God’s hand in every door He’s opened and every person He’s brought to this mission.

My purpose is to be His hands and feet—to serve, to uplift, to advocate, and to remind our families that they matter and they are not alone. I do this work because He called me to it, and I’ll keep doing it as long as He leads.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Founder and Executive Director of FIESTA, a nonprofit based in Northern Kentucky that serves and uplifts Hispanic families through culturally relevant food assistance, education, resource coordination, and community connection. FIESTA stands for Families, Inclusion, Education, Society, Tradition, and Access—and every part of that name reflects who we are and what we’re building.

What makes FIESTA special isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. We don’t just hand out food or information. We build relationships. We walk alongside families who are navigating language barriers, immigration stress, isolation, or lack of access to basic needs. We make sure they are seen, heard, and supported. We host community events, offer mental health programming in Spanish, and connect families to jobs, housing, healthcare, and education. We are creating a “one stop shop” where Hispanic families can get the help they need with dignity and trust.

The most exciting part of this work is seeing the ripple effect. Families who come to us for help often turn around and start giving back—volunteering, sharing resources, helping others. That’s what community looks like. That’s what keeps me going.

Right now, we’re preparing for our first big fundraising event this fall—FIESTA at the Plate—at Florence Y’alls Stadium. It’s a night of dinner, dancing, music, and community—and all funds raised will go directly back into supporting the families we serve.

At the heart of it all, FIESTA is my act of obedience to the calling God placed on my life. I say it often—God is my business plan—and every day He continues to open doors I never imagined. My goal isn’t just to run a nonprofit. It’s to build a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue long after me.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things stand out as the most impactful in my journey: faith, resilience, and relationship-building.

Faith was and still is the foundation of everything. There were so many moments where things didn’t make sense on paper—when there was no funding, no staff, no clear next step. But I knew God had called me to this work, so I moved forward anyway. My advice? Stay rooted in your “why,” especially when the “how” isn’t clear. Pray about it. Let God lead. That’s where the clarity and courage come from.

Resilience came from experience. There were days I felt like giving up—when the needs felt too big and the resources too small. But I kept going, not because it was easy, but because families were counting on me. If you’re just starting out, know that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Just don’t stay there. Rest, then rise. Keep going.

Relationship-building has been the secret to everything. FIESTA exists because of the community we’ve built—people who support, volunteer, donate, and collaborate. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask for help, or pour into others. Strong relationships will carry you further than any resume ever could.

No matter where you’re starting, trust that you have something to offer. Lead with heart, stay humble, and don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin. Start with what you have. God will handle the rest.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One of our biggest challenges right now is capacity. The need is overwhelming—more families are coming to FIESTA every month for help with food, housing, jobs, healthcare, and more—but we’re still a small team doing big work. We run on faith, community support, and a lot of grit, but it’s not sustainable without more funding and hands on deck.

We’re doing everything we can—applying for grants, launching our first major fundraiser (FIESTA at the Plate), and building new partnerships to increase our impact. But the truth is, we need long-term investment to keep up with the growing demand. Every day that we don’t have the capacity to meet the needs, people go without—without food, without help, without hope. That’s the weight I carry.

But I also carry faith. I believe God is making a way and bringing the right people to help us keep moving forward. We just need others to see the need, believe in the mission, and come alongside us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fiestanky.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiestanky
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiesta-nky-39769b2a5/