Eli Cruz-Rodriguez was born in Honduras and has lived in Oakland, CA, for the past 17 years. As a first-generation student, Eli earned his B.S. in Nutrition Science from UC Davis and an M.S. in Lifespan, Nutrition, and Dietetics from USC. Throughout his career, he has gained valuable experience in various healthcare roles, including care coordinator, dietetic clerk, intake coordinator, alcohol and drug counselor, and behavioral specialist, allowing him to address a wide range of client and community needs.

Currently, Eli works as an Assistant Manager for 18 Reasons, a nonprofit that empowers communities with food education. He also runs his own nutrition counseling business, Elate Nutrition, where he provides workshops for community organizations, creates nutrition flyers, and conducts a free diabetes class for older Hispanic adults.

A key aspect of Eli’s work is his commitment to giving back to the community. He has volunteered extensively with organizations such as Homies Empowerment (Freedom Store), providing essential resources to underserved communities, and Alameda County Community Food Bank, where he contributed to combating food insecurity. Eli has also worked with Mercy Brown Bag and Roots Community Health Center, further demonstrating his dedication to supporting vulnerable populations and improving access to nutrition and wellness services.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Eli uses his bilingual skills to connect with diverse communities, ensuring that everyone has access to the support and education they need for a healthier life.