Ximena Cruz Cuevas
Oregon DEQ’s own Ximena Cruz Cuevas was recently appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. She is the only member from the State of Oregon representing both State and Local government, on the 26-member council that includes representatives from a wide range of backgrounds, sectors, and experiences in environmental justice. The council will provide independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator. Ximena says, “I’m excited about this opportunity at the federal level because I will be able to contribute even more to EJ work for DEQ and communities in Oregon.”
Ximena was born in Mexico and raised in California. She moved to Portland in 2015 to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Portland. From art shows and concerts to nature walks and travel, Ximena is an avid explorer and curious soul. Before her move to DEQ, she worked in environmental education, which included canoeing down the Willamette River to teach kids about ecosystems. She never capsized!
“Ximena’s personal and professional journey have brought her to this moment where she is uniquely positioned to represent people and communities across Oregon at the national level,” said DEQ’s Life Cycle Programs Manager, Sanne Stienstra. “Her authenticity, curiosity and deep commitment to justice and the environment make her a leader within DEQ, and I am certain she’ll be an influential voice on NEJAC, too.”
Her journey at DEQ began in 2020 when, in addition to her core work, she quickly became a force of change for racial justice issues at the agency. She helped pave the way for the agency’s first Black, Indigenous, and People of Color affinity group. She was also instrumental in establishing the agency’s first staff-led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council.
It’s no surprise she has a remarkable zest for community engagement. Her commitment to help disadvantaged communities around the state achieve environmental justice shows up in her life in many ways. For example, in addition to her work as a Materials Management program specialist, she is a leader on DEQ’s Environmental Justice Work Group consisting of more than 100 members. The work group’s goal is to ensure the agency’s actions, including permitting, cleanup, policy and planning, outreach and education, and compliance and enforcement, address the needs of all people in Oregon, especially minority, low-income and other traditionally underrepresented communities, as much as state and federal laws allow.
Ximena is by definition a trailblazer and someone you’d want on your team. One of her colleagues on the EJ work group said Ximena is an inspiration. “Ximena has made a significant positive impact at DEQ through her tenacious, determined style of leadership and we are lucky to have a nationally recognized leader helping our agency embed EJ and DEI into all of our work. said DEQ Communications and Air Quality Division Community Engagement Analyst, Ryan Bellinson.
DEQ is excited to see what she takes on next.
By Jennifer Flynt and Katie Romano