Mariel Delacruz, a doctoral student in Temple University's Criminal Justice Department, has been named one of Pennsylvania's 20 Under 40 Latino Emerging Leaders. She was recognized on September 22, 2026, at the Pennsylvania Latino Convention (PALC) in Easton, PA. 

The statewide recognition celebrates Latino leaders making an impact through professional achievement, community engagement, and advocacy. Delacruz was selected for her contributions to victim services, criminal justice, education, and community empowerment.

A native North Philadelphian of Dominican-Caribbean descent and first-generation college student, Delacruz currently serves as Director of the Victim Services Unit at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. In her role, Delacruz leads efforts to support victims, survivors, co-survivors, and families affected by crime and violence. 

“My passion for this work is rooted in my care for people, my lived experiences, and a deep conviction that every survivor, victim and community deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity,” says Delacruz. 

Delacruz has long strived to position herself as an advocate for individuals and communities affected by violence. After completing her undergrad studies at Cabrini University, she earned an MA in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University, where she also co-founded the New Jersey Innocence Project, serving and advocating for innocent people incarcerated in the state. On top of her PhD work at Temple, she serves as an adjunct instructor for Eastern University’s criminal justice program.