Meet Tina Cruz

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

Hi Tina, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

There are moments when I look around and realize I might be the only one in the room who looks like me. At first, it can feel a little overwhelming, almost like imposter syndrome is knocking at the door. But I’ve learned not to let it stay. Instead, I acknowledge it, let it pass, and lean into the truth that what I bring is valuable.

Growing up with a single mom, I learned how to make a lot out of very little. That experience taught me resourcefulness, grit, and the ability to see solutions where others might not. I’ve also learned to trust God’s timing — that in any situation, there’s always something within reach that can help you move forward if you’re willing to look for it and stretch yourself to grab it.

Those lessons have carried me into every space I’ve stepped into. Even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me, I know that my perspective, resilience, and creativity are not only valid, but needed. That’s what has helped me push through and grow into the leader I am today.

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 describe myself as an immersive artist and developer — someone who blends traditional art with cutting-edge technology to create experiences people can truly step into. My journey started with painting, weaving, and animation, but over time I became fascinated with the idea of art that doesn’t just hang on a wall, but surrounds you, moves with you, and invites you to interact. That’s what led me into VR and game engines, where I’m now creating immersive worlds that push the boundaries of how we experience art.

What excites me most is that this kind of work feels limitless — every project is a chance to merge storytelling, design, and technology in new ways. At the same time, I’ve never lost sight of the fact that art is about connection. Whether I’m painting, building a VR landscape, or writing my children’s book The Girl Who Wanted to Be an Artist, my goal is always to inspire others to embrace their own creativity.

I’m also passionate about giving back, which is why I’m laying the foundation for a nonprofit that will bring immersive art and traditional art education to underprivileged youth. Growing up, art was my safe space and my outlet — and I want to create those same opportunities for kids who may not otherwise have access.

At the heart of everything I do is curiosity, resilience, and a deep belief that art has the power to transform lives. For me, being an immersive art pioneer isn’t just about technology — it’s about expanding the ways we connect with each other and with the world around us.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I think the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were:

1. Passion for creating. My innate love for making things drove my curiosity to try new ideas and ultimately helped me discover what I was meant to do—create.

2. Curiosity and love of learning. In graduate school, I dove deep into the foundations of art and technology. I asked questions, absorbed as much as I could, and constantly pushed myself to see what was possible. I’ll never forget watching documentaries about how Nat Geo was using new technology called Lidar to scan the jungles of the Maya. It sparked my imagination to reimagine an ancient Maya city with its native plants, animals, stars, and sculptures—almost like stepping into another world.

3. Resilience and persistence. I learned how to take everything I was studying and channel it into something new: my concept of “Immersive Paintings”—artworks that don’t just sit on a canvas but engulf you, surround you, and transport you into another world. This vision kept me going, day by day.

If I could give advice to folks who are early in their journey, I would say: make art—lots of it. Even when you don’t feel like it, make it. Make “bad” art, because on the way you’ll make great art, and it’s in that evolution that you find your voice. If you grow tired of a piece, set it down and come back later. But most of all—never give up. The journey is where the transformation happens. ❤️

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been deeply spiritual and healing — honestly, it’s been one for the books. I learned so much about myself and began a real healing journey this year. I felt like I went through the fire without the smell of smoke: everything that could be stripped away was stripped away, and what remained was my faith. My closeness to God is the major change — He became my anchor. Even when people wanted to help, no one could be what He was for me in that season, and I had to rely on Him alone.

That test was intense, but I kept worshiping through it. Sometimes God prunes what’s dead so new growth can come. I remember praying and having a vision while praying: I saw hands holding a clay-like vessel, pouring water into my mouth, and I felt it nourish and revive me. I didn’t see His face, just the hands and the water, but the image felt so real and full of meaning. I looked it up in the Bible and found John 4:14: “…whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. The water I give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” That vision came just before a major transition in my life and felt like a clear message from God. I’m so grateful I reached out and listened — I truly believe my response to that moment changed the course of my story.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

NYC Photographer Ben Garves 2025, Artist Tina Cruz 2025.

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