In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight Patti Delacruz, Agency Relations Director at Second Harvest, whose leadership and heart for service help strengthen our partner agency network every day.

Patti’s passion for helping others started early. As a child, she often found herself worrying about people who might not have enough to eat or a safe place to sleep. She never understood why some had so much while others struggled, and that question stayed with her throughout her life.

Before joining Second Harvest, Patti spent 20 years with the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she encouraged young girls to see service to others as one of life’s most important responsibilities.

When it came time for a career shift, she saw Second Harvest as the perfect place to continue inspiring people to care for their communities while helping families worry a little less about their next meal.

Today, Patti says the most rewarding part of her role is watching the Agency Relations Team and Partner Agencies face challenges with determination and heart. No matter the obstacle, the focus is always on finding a way forward and supporting neighbors in need.

She also wants more people to understand the dedication of partner agencies on the front lines. Many volunteers give up weekends and personal time to distribute food to hundreds of families, offering not just meals but hope during difficult seasons.

Patti describes her leadership style in one word: belief. She shared “what people need most is for someone to believe in them.”