Leadership
Jose Cruz brings a unique blend of legal expertise and strategic advocacy to Fuentes Strategies. As the firm’s specialist in the cannabis sector, he has a proven track record of securing retail and cultivation licenses in competitive markets like Illinois and New Jersey. His ability to navigate emerging industries is backed by decades of experience in the nation’s capital.
Jose’s career began in the Clinton White House as Assistant to the Director of Hispanic Affairs, where he focused on integrating national Latino leadership into the federal policy agenda. He later served as Director of Corporate Affairs for Equity Research Corporation, securing over five million dollars in federal funding for educational institutions across the U.S. and Latin America. A committed advocate, Jose also founded ImmigrationPac in 2008 and served as Senior Director of Civic Engagement for NALEO, where he led a $1.8 million national campaign for the 2010 Census.
Jose holds a Bachelor’s degree from Eureka College and a Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law. His deep understanding of business formation, combined with his extensive network in public service, makes him an essential asset for clients facing complex regulatory challenges.
