Way to go, Armando!

University Libraries Human Resources Generalist II Armando Cruz was one of the presenters at "Perserverance at the Crossroads," the 2025 University of Arizona Staff Council Crossroads Conference, a day of personal and professional development open to all university staff, on Monday, May 12.

Cruz, a long-time Zumba instructor, offered a Zumba demonstration as a personal development option. "Rooted in rhythmic movement and community connection, Zumba is more than just a workout," Cruz said. "It is a powerful tool for resilience, mental well-being, and personal transformation. I love music and movement, so I became a Zumba instructor. I teach it a couple of times a week."

"I've been both a Zumba participant and instructor since 2013, and the experience has profoundly shaped my life."

"I struggled with depression, anxiety, and insomnia, but through dance and music, I found a way to rebuild my well-being," Cruz said. "Zumba helped me not only regain joy but also develop the perseverance that has strengthened me as a human and a professional. In a university setting where stress, burnout, and personal struggles are common, this session highlighted the importance of movement as a means of self-care, motivation, and resilience. Engaging in Zumba allows individuals to break through mental and emotional barriers while fostering a sense of community, much like the perseverance required in both academic and professional settings."

Cruz's Zumba session at the Crossroads Conference provided a unique and energizing break from traditional conference sessions. By incorporating movement, music, and personal storytelling, participants experienced how movement can be a source of strength, confidence, and motivation, and they gained insight into how movement can fuel mental and emotional perseverance. "Whether in the workplace or personal life, resilience is about showing up, making progress, and finding joy even in difficult moments—just like in Zumba," Cruz said.

"Perseverance isn’t just about pushing through challenges – it’s also about finding ways to keep moving forward, even when life feels overwhelming," Cruz said. "For me, Zumba became more than just a fitness class; it became a tool for resilience, helping me overcome depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Through dance and music, Zumba encourages us to embrace challenges, push past our comfort zones, and celebrate progress—no matter how small. Just like in life, we may miss a step or struggle with the rhythm, but the key is to keep going, adjust, and find joy in the journey."

About Armando

Armando Cruz, a Puerto Rican raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts, is a dedicated human resource professional with 20 years of experience. He holds a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Arizona and has provided HR guidance and support across diverse organizations. Armando is also a certified group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise.

A lifelong lover of music and dance, Cruz found that Zumba quenched his thirst for both while also transforming his personal and professional life. Diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and insomnia in 2005, he reached a crossroads in 2009 when the demands of his HR management role clashed with his well-being. Choosing himself, he stepped away to heal, eventually discovering Zumba in 2010. In 2013, he became a licensed Zumba instructor, a role that helped him break out of lifelong shyness and achieve goals he never imagined—earning his master’s degree, leading classes with confidence, and inspiring others through movement.

Today, Cruz continues to advocate for employee well-being, effective communication, and creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. His journey of perseverance fuels his commitment to fostering professional growth and supportive work environments.