Meet Elise James DeCruise.
Questions:
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: We are a family of four who enjoy traveling, sports, art, dancing, listening to all kinds of music, reading at the library and barnes & nobles, writing and enjoy spending times with our family and friends. My husband (George DeCruise) and I have known each other since high school. We both grew up in Teaneck, NJ. We’ve been married for 14 years and have 2 children. We have a 14 year old son, his name is Esile DeCruise and a 10 year daughter, her name is Malia-Semaj (she goes by Malia) DeCruise. Esile attends Mahwah high school and is in the 9th grade. Malia attends Joyce Kilmer and is in the 5th grade.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: I’ve spent the last 20 years focusing on the intersection of education, technology and diversity and inclusion. I led the charge in creating and deploying training, certification and programs for students, industry professionals and career changers in the technology (digital marketing) sector. While doing this work, I’ve found that there are opportunities to advance diversity within the technology space and have spent the past 5 years supporting and amplifying the advancement of diversity, inclusion and belonging in the technology sector through public speaking, hosting fireside chats with leaders in the space and sitting on advisory councils and boards who share in my mission to create opportunities, access and programs for the next generation of technology leaders. I’m also passionate about preparing student-athletes for life after sports. As a former collegiate-student-athlete who has made a successful transition from athletics into the corporate world; I know what it takes to navigate the transition, including identifying and leveraging your transferable skills from athletics into the corporate world. Such as but not limited to leadership skills, time management, team building, overcoming adversity, etc.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: Mama’s Kitchen, Kinchley’s, Anthony Francos Pizza, Mahwah Bar & Grill, Sangria Tapas, Mason Jar, and Moe’s.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: We moved to Mahwah 3 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: Geoffrey Cantor – he used to be my neighbor in Englewood, when I was in middle school. I used to babysit his kids! He lives in Ramsey with his family; he’s an amazing community member!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my life and in my career to travel the world and visit so many beautiful places and meet so many beautiful people both domestically and internationally. My favorite places to travel in the States are California, Hilton Head South Carolina, Virginia Beach, Washington D.C, and Seattle Washington. My favorite places to travel internationally are London, Cannes (South of France), Singapore, Argentina, Australia and Columbia. I would love to travel to Africa, Greece and Spain in the coming years.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: I don’t really have a favorite movie but Sleepless In Seattle is a nice classic. TV Shows – HGTV, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and The Magnolia Network.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: Live your best life and help others through compassion, humility, grace, understanding and love.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Travel the world – visit every continent!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: Hmmmm 🙂 This is a tough one but I would say Earth, Wind and Fire (old school). I”m also a big Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John and Lizzo fan.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: The Secor farms. I’ve been going to Secor for the past 15 plus years!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and Warren Buffet. Would love to sit at a table with all of them 🙂 at Tavern on the Green or at a restaurant in Cannes (South of France).
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: Our community is welcoming and diverse. I also love the mountains and scenic nature of Mahwah. I went to undergraduate and graduate school in Pittsburgh and there are a lot of similarities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: Leading the conversation on a global scale in diversity, equality and inclusion through the intersections of sports, technology and inclusion.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: As a Collegiate Student-Athlete I led the nation in rebounds for NCAA Division One Basketball during my junior and senior year. I’m also a visual learner and do my best work when I map out, draw and visualize a scenario, business problem/strategy.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: Cannes, South of France.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: Favorite Month – I’m not sure if I have one. I love all of the months of the year. Favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Single day of the year: Not sure 🙂 Maybe everyday. It means that I’m living another day.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: Hmm… 🙂 Your pursuit to be better and do better throughout your life.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: My parents, extended family and my kids.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: Rose (I’ve been wearing Jo Malone perfume for a long time). Love the smell of roses.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Love, Vulnerability and Growth.
