Gissele Hernandez Cruz is the Director of Operations for Casa Azul of Greensboro, and she is responsible for the organization’s day-to-day operations, artistic programs, and cultural events. She assists with program logistics, artist communications, recruiting and training volunteers, administrative support, record-keeping, and information management systems. Gissele also creates content for the organization’s website, social media channels, newsletter, and annual report. 

Gissele’s role has recently expanded to include support for grant writing and reporting, annual fundraising, and Casa Azul’s board of directors and committees. As the organization’s sole employee, Gissele participates in capacity-building opportunities, conducts community outreach, and represents the organization in programmatic partnerships. From 2022-2025, Gissele worked for Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s District Office as a Congressional Constituent Liaison. In addition to her communication and operational responsibilities, Gissele organized the participation of Rep. Manning’s District Office in the yearly Congressional Art Competition.

Gissele earned a B.A. in Political Science, History, and Liberal Studies from UNC-Greensboro in 2022. She is currently working towards her Master of Public Administration (expected May 2027) with a concentration in Nonprofit Management at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces that support the Latinx community and is dedicated to advancing the organization's mission in celebrating Latino arts and culture. In her free time, Gissele enjoys spending time with her dog, Lily, and her two bunnies, Bunbun and Rosie.