Learning Curve

SELF MADE LYNDSAY CRUZ

The Oxfam advisor fights poverty in the developing world—with a little help from celebs. BY DEVIN TOMB

When you hear about Rooney Mara volunteering in South Sudan, Lyndsay Cruz is the woman who pulled it off. Based in Los Angeles, Cruz, 37, works for Oxfam, where she partners with celebrities and travels alongside them to developing nations, helping the global organization fight poverty and social injustice. Cruz started her career as an intern for the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. She went on to work for George W. Bush’s campaign and subsequent administration, where she was tapped to travel with Paul O’Neill, then secretary of the treasury, on an Oxfam mission to Africa with U2’s Bono. Moved by the experience, Cruz spent about six months courting Oxfam America for a job. Twelve years and 15 countries later, she unpacks three of her success secrets:

TALK TO HIGHER-UPS “On my second day at the RNC, I was in the elevator with the assistant press secretary, and I said, ‘Hi, I’m an intern down in the basement answering phones.’ He asked what really interested me and moved me up to the press office on the fourth floor. In months, I was writing my own press releases and working with top officials.”

POWER THROUGH REJECTION “The Peace Corps turned me down, and later I thought, Thank goodness they didn’t take me, because I wouldn’t be where I am right now.” TAKE A CHANCE “I know too many people who are stuck in their jobs but have the passion to do something greater. Try things out—even if it’s on the side at first. That’s how you grow.”

GET MORE SUCCESS SECRETS! Find bonus career inspiration at Self.com/go/selfmade. BEAUTY STAPLE “I always carry cheekcolor for an instant glow.”

CHEEK STAIN Tarte, $30; TarteCosmetics.com

OFF-DUTY SUIT

“On weekends, I live in a bikini and just throw a dress over it.”

TOP $77, and BOTTOM $73, L*Space by Monica Wise; LSpace.com

Be open to whatever falls into your lap.”

SWEAT BREAK

“I work from home, so I take Duke, my goldendoodle, out for a run between calls and emails.”

GO-TO SNACK

“I reach for a spoonful of pomegranate seeds when I need an energy boost.”

FRONT-LINE FOCUS

“I visited an Oxfam water point at a camp for displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo back in 2009.”

INFLUENTIAL BOOK

“The Catcher in the Rye ignited my love of reading when I was young.”

The secret to more fun in the sun? Try a little pattern play: Mix large and small prints (as on this rash guard) for a sporty-stylish effect. “This makes me feel like I’m a surfer girl,” Ribeiro says.

RASH GUARD Tory Burch, $225 SWIMSUIT Mikoh, $208

IN THE

Suit up in the newest tropical prints: They’re big, bold and just wild enough. Blissing out on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula with a few of the surf mecca’s locals, top model Lais Ribeiro brings the heat.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY BEAU GREALY

STYLED BY MELISSA VENTOSA MARTIN

E SWIM