TV star Jackie Cruz to speak at CWU for Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year during Hispanic Heritage Month, Central Washington University brings engaging and educational programming to campus to highlight the rich and diverse Hispanic cultures that exist throughout the U.S.

This year, CWU is proud to present an evening with actress, singer, and producer Jackie Cruz, best known for her role as Marisol “Flaca” Gonzales on the hit show Orange Is The New Black.

Cruz will speak in the SURC Ballroom on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and a Q&A session will follow her address. The event is free and open to the public.

Her talk will center on her journey from homelessness at 16 to a multi-decade career at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

“I’m excited to come to Washington and share my story,” said Cruz, who currently lives in New York state. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I want to make young people believe in themselves. I was that kid once, too.”

Cruz will also be speaking at the Yakima Downtown Rotary Club and at Heritage University in Toppenish during her visit to Central Washington.

Cruz earned a spot on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Top Latino Powerhouses Under 40” list and has shared the screen with acting legends like Harvey Keitel and Christina Ricci. Her other film credits include Things Like This; Husband, Father, Killer; and an indie production titled Woozy. Her recent role in History of Evil showcases her range and depth as a dramatic actress.

Next week’s events Hispanic Heritage Month in Ellensburg, Yakima, and Toppenish are sponsored by CWU, Yakima Downtown Rotary, OIC of Washington, Heritage University, YWCA of Yakima, the CWU Multicultural Center, Campus Activities, and SLICE.