Marilyn Nevy Cruz
Board Member: Marilyn Nevy Cruz
MARILYN NEVY CRUZ currently works as a Lead Capital Trial Investigator and Mitigation Specialist in the inaugural National Federal Death Penalty Unit in the District of Nevada, serving clients across the country in federal capital cases facing the death penalty. She previously completed a two-year temporary duty assignment in the Program Operations Division of the Defender Services Office at the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. This assignment was a leave of absence from her position at the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Columbia, where she investigated hundreds of federal criminal cases ranging from white-collar crimes to international drug trafficking, and espionage.
Before joining the Public Defender Service, Marilyn worked at the Consulate of Guatemala in Los Angeles, California, on immigration protection matters. While in graduate school, she worked as a behavior therapist with children and young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, a Master’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton, and she studied for one year at Växjö University in Sweden. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Affairs at Virginia Tech.
Marilyn lives in Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.A., with her husband, David, and their Jack Russell Terrier, Charlie.
In addition to her professional career, Marilyn is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the Assistant Governor for Rotary International District 7620, Deputy State Director for the D.C. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Vice Chair and Latino Community Representative on the Alexandria City Gang Prevention Community Task Force. She is also the President of her condominium association and the Past President of both the D.C. Rotary Club and its Foundation.
Marilyn serves on the California State Universities D.C. Scholars Advisory Board, the National Women’s Foundation Board, and the Fairfax County Advisory Social Services Board. In addition, she sits on the boards of more than eight nonprofit organizations.
She has been honored as Rotarian of the Year three times, Cal State DC Scholars Transformation and Impact Award, D.C. LULAC Member of the Year twice, a Junior League’s 40 Under 40, and was recognized as a 2021 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 honoree.
Marilyn is truly a distinguished leader who embodies resilience and generosity. A proud Cal State Fullerton Titan and former DC Scholar, Marilyn’s journey highlights the transformative power of education and the opportunities it provides. As the youngest and first Hispanic-American President of the 112-year-old Rotary Club of Washington, D.C., she extends her unwavering support to underserved youth and students, nurturing their aspirations and guiding them toward promising futures. Marilyn’s tireless dedication to empowering the next generation exemplifies true leadership and mentorship, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in their communities.