Sylvester Cruz coordinates NJCH’s programmatic efforts in grantmaking and capacity building. His work at the Council strengthens existing partnerships and cultivates opportunities for new ones by providing support to our grantee and awardee community. Playing a key role in managing the Council’s existing programmatic offerings, Sylvester works closely with current grantees and program partners to ensure that their needs are met, as well as collaborating with other team members to develop new programs that provide vibrant and thoughtful humanities opportunities to the people of the Garden State.

Sylvester earned his undergraduate degree in literature from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and his M.A. and research doctorate from the English Department at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. He is a first-generation Ph.D. student, and a dual citizen of the United States and the Republic of South Africa. When he’s not at work, Sylvester enjoys playing chess, kickboxing, the outdoors, and exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of South and Central Jersey.