Chiliano E. Cruz is a 2025 graduate of the United Nations and Global Policy Studies (UNMA) program at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. A resident of Plainfield, New Jersey, Chiliano is eager to devote his career to advancing social justice and supporting vulnerable communities, both locally and globally.
Chiliano joined the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Midtown Manhattan, where he worked with immigrants and refugees to rebuild their lives in the United States. His hands-on work in resettlement, employment support, and access to essential services laid a strong humanitarian foundation for him and sparked his enduring passion for advocacy.
Building on this experience, Chiliano interned with the United States Senate office in Jersey City, gaining valuable insights into legislative research, constituent services, and public outreach. This role deepened his understanding of how policy decisions directly impact individuals and communities, reinforcing his commitment to public service and effective governance.
Currently, Chiliano serves as Community Outreach Coordinator at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), where he works under the leadership of former Governor Jim McGreevey. In this capacity, he organizes job fairs, distributes food and hygiene supplies, and connects returning citizens and individuals facing homelessness with critical resources such as housing, employment, and healthcare. As Assistant Chief of Staff to Reverend Bolivar Flores, Chiliano assists immigrants with legal documentation, manages public relations, and coordinates community radio initiatives. He also leads voter outreach, job placement, and IT projects, and mentors emerging leaders as Internship Coordinator for the Fulmore Foundation.
Chiliano’s active participation at the National Model United Nations, membership of the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA), New York Chapter, as well as his collaborations with prominent leaders and organizations-including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Councilwoman-at-Large Reverend Louise Rountree, Reverend Al Sharpton, and UNICEF, demonstrate his capacity to build partnerships and mobilize resources for systemic change.
Chiliano’s Rutgers education has equipped him with rigorous analytical, research, and policy skills, preparing him to excel in complex global environments. He has embraced opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentorship. His commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in the roles he undertakes, mirroring the values and aspirations of Rutgers’ diverse graduate community.