Pablo Cruz

13/12/2025

I’m honored to share that I’ve been invited to join the Board of Directors for Hispanics in Real Estate (HIRE).

HIRE strengthens the real estate workforce by fostering community, collaboration, and professional growth through networking and educational opportunities. As Executive Director of KHEDF, I’m excited to support an organization aligned with our shared commitment to developing strong talent pipelines across our communities.

Looking forward to contributing to HIRE’s mission and supporting the professionals who help move our region forward.

We are proud to welcome Pablo Estrada-Cruz as our newest board member for 2026.

Pablo is a seasoned leader, strategist, and advocate with a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, government communications, and community engagement. His experience spans the Wichita Police Department, Wichita State University, and the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation (KHEDF).

As Executive Director of KHEDF, Pablo leads statewide initiatives that support Hispanic students in their pursuit of post-secondary education and career readiness. His work focuses on expanding student access, strengthening partnerships with Kansas employers, and elevating leadership development within the Hispanic community.

Pablo has held key leadership roles in marketing, communications, and public affairs throughout his career. This includes serving as the Director of Marketing & Communications and as the Public Information Officer for the Wichita Police Department, where he oversaw crisis communications, media relations, and community outreach with a focus on minority engagement. He is also the founder of the Asociación de los Talleres Comunitarios and has spoken at national forums on media relations, public affairs, and community engagement.

Pablo’s leadership has been recognized with several honors, including the Bronze Wreath of Service, multiple Exceptional Service Awards for community impact in law enforcement, industry awards in Marketing and Communications, and the Leadership, Vision & Community Advancement Award for his contributions to strengthening services and opportunities for the Hispanic community.

Please help us welcome Pablo Cruz ! 🥳

16/11/2025

Esta noche fue muy especial para KHEDF. Me honra compartir que la Cámara Hispana de Comercio de Wichita reconoció a nuestra organización con el Premio Impacto Comunitario 2025. Agradezco sinceramente a la WHCC por este reconocimiento y por celebrar el trabajo que realizamos para ampliar las oportunidades de los estudiantes y familias hispanas en todo Kansas.

También nos enorgullece anunciar un gran paso para nuestra fundación: KHEDF se está expandiendo oficialmente al suroeste de Kansas, llevando nuestros programas a seis nuevas comunidades: Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal, Hutchinson, Newton y Emporia.
Esta expansión representa años de esfuerzo, colaboración y fe en el potencial del talento hispano en Kansas.

Estoy agradecido con nuestro consejo directivo, equipo, aliados y colaboradores que hacen posible esta misión día con día. La celebración de esta noche fue un recordatorio del impacto que podemos lograr cuando trabajamos unidos.

El futuro de KHEDF es prometedor — y apenas estamos comenzando.

— Pablo Estrada Cruz
Director Ejecutivo, KHEDF

07/11/2025

Qué noche tan increíble!

Esta noche tuve el honor de asistir a la celebración de la campaña Cambio para Cambio (Change for Change). Agradezco a John Kearney, Director Ejecutivo de Hispanic Development Fund, por la invitación y por su liderazgo al impulsar este movimiento tan inspirador.

En solo un mes, Kansas Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) de Kansas City recaudó una cifra récord de $610,855.00 dólares para apoyar becas destinadas a estudiantes hispanos. Solo las preparatorias (high schools) lograron recaudar $264,811.00, tres escuelas recaudaron recaudaron $24,626, $26,140 y $62,133 respectivamente. Las universidades y colegios añadieron $45,556 más, todo gracias a la pasión de estudiantes, educadores y aliados comunitarios.

Pensar que esta iniciativa comenzó en 2017 con tan solo $8,576 lo hace aún más increíble. Tan solo este año, HDF otorgó becas a 580 estudiantes en 68 ciudades de Estados Unidos.

La campaña Cambio para Cambio es un esfuerzo estudiantil de un mes que se lleva a cabo durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Su propósito es unir a escuelas, empresas y organizaciones comunitarias para recaudar fondos destinados a becas. Cada dólar recaudado es igualado por donadores de HDF, duplicando su impacto y empoderando a más jóvenes latinos a alcanzar sus sueños.

Esta noche fue un recordatorio de que, cuando nos unimos, suceden cosas increíbles.

⸻

What a night!

Tonight, I had the honor of attending the Cambio para Cambio (Change for Change) campaign celebration. Thank you to John Kearney, Executive Director of the Hispanic Development Fund, for the invitation and for his leadership in driving this incredible movement.

In just one month, the Kansas Hispanic Development Fund (HDF) raised a record-breaking $610,855 to support scholarships for Hispanic students. High schools alone raised $264,811, with three schools leading at $24,626, $26,140, and $62,133. Colleges and universities added another $45,556 — all fueled by the passion of students, educators, and community partners.

To think it started with just $8,576 in 2017 makes this growth truly inspiring. This year alone, HDF awarded scholarships to 580 students across 68 cities in the U.S.

The Change for Change campaign is a month-long, student-led effort during Hispanic Heritage Month that unites schools, businesses, and community partners to raise scholarship funds. Every dollar raised is matched by HDF donors, doubling the impact and empowering more Latino students to achieve their dreams.

Tonight was a reminder that when we come together, incredible things happen.

17/10/2025

When KHEDF was founded 18 years ago, our mission was simple yet powerful — to provide resources to Hispanic students exploring post-secondary education and career readiness.

Today, I’m proud to share that the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation (KHEDF) is reaching a historic milestone as we expand our impact statewide, preparing more students for college, careers, and the workforce of tomorrow.

To help lead this next chapter, we’re hiring two key positions that will drive our mission forward:

💼 Career Readiness Manager
🎓 College Readiness Manager

These roles will help students explore career pathways, strengthen workforce connections, and build the bridge between education and opportunity across Kansas.

This expansion represents more than growth, it’s a continuation of the vision our founders, Yolanda and Gene Camarena set in motion nearly two decades ago.

👉 Learn more and apply today:

You can find KHEDF job openings here! Please read the job description and then fill out the form, attaching your resume and cover letter.

10/10/2025

Today, the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation (KHEDF) was honored for its excellence in Diversity and Inclusion by the Wichita Business Journal.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our team, board, and community partners who believe in the power of equitable access to education and opportunity. Together, we’re building pathways for future leaders to thrive and make an impact across Kansas.

Congratulations to all of today’s award recipients your leadership continues to inspire progress and inclusion across our community.

04/10/2025

04/10/2025

I’m grateful to have been welcomed as a new member of the Wichita Rotary Club. Joining this group of community leaders is both humbling and energizing.

As Executive Director of the Kansas Hispanic Education & Development Foundation (KHEDF), I see this as another way to live out our mission, opening doors for students and helping them succeed in college, career, and life. Rotary’s spirit of Service Above Self aligns with the work we do every day, and I’m excited to bring KHEDF’s voice to the table while also learning from others who are committed to making Wichita stronger.

Here’s to building connections, serving with purpose, and continuing to invest in the future of our community.

28/08/2025

Join the KHEDF on August 28th at 7:05pm for Pablo's Birthday as the Wind Surge take on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Every ticket purchased through our link will have a donation straight back to KHEDF to support their mission.

Click on this link to buy your tickets:
https://www.gofevo.com/event/Kansashispanic2?fbclid=IwY2xjawMaspdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVY0tZeWZ5QkJaOVlqaWxIAR5jngNIYV1LDLjeU11rDxGBIjtxE0V4Oet_ONKgjWk5QMOTpVKdLTU-Qijnsg_aem_8cGD6hWrtw5hgPA0MsvKmQ

For Group tickets in our section of 20+ please contact Alissa directly to help get your group set up.
[email protected]
316-221-8023

Acompáñanos el 28 de agosto a las 7:05 p.m. para celebrar el cumpleaños de Pablo mientras los Wind Surge se enfrentan a los Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
Cada boleto comprado a través de nuestro enlace generará una donación directa a KHEDF para apoyar nuestra misión. See less