#WHYoming: Nicole Cruz

Welcome to our #WHYoming series.

We highlight people around us and ask them a few questions. We want to learn a little about them and see why they chose this great state to start their families, start their business, or just ask: Why Wyoming?

For this week’s #WHYoming, I had the opportunity to speak to Nicole Cruz, owner of LEAP Services in Rock Springs. Nicole works with LEAP to empower people with intellectual disabilities and to stand up for them. Nicole is passionate about helping people, and her career enables her to do just that. Nicole has lived in Rock Springs all her life and she loves this community that she calls home. She is raising her own children here and believes Sweetwater County is a great place to live. In any case, she always feels supported here.

Nicole, what do you do for a living?

I am the proud owner of LEAP Services!

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Can you tell me something about what LEAP is?

LEAP goes to great lengths every day to help our community open up to the idea of ​​having someone with an intellectual disability who can socialize and live almost unnoticed.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The process! Watch people grow and feel empowered, self-sufficient, and as if they have a purpose. I have embarked on an absolutely amazing and rewarding career, I feel blessed every day. Families who allow LEAP and help out with their loved ones is the greatest compliment I could ask for.

You are also a certified personal trainer. What do you love about it

Although I don’t train nearly as much as I used to, the love came to be able to help again! With #MAKINGMOTHERHOODFIT as my message, I wanted moms to hit the gym and regain their confidence.

How did you get to Rock Springs?

My father’s parents withdrew here. Since my father is from California and my mother is from Florida, I wonder why here, but I’m not upset. Life in Wyoming is wonderful.

I think our community not only supports what LEAP is trying to achieve, but everything too. I love the small business support in the small town. I think all the small businesses in town make a point of buying and supporting from here first! Stay local!

What are some of your hobbies?

When I’m not out on a wrestling mat, a soccer field or in the dirt bike arena and watching my two wonderful boys, you can find me at the lake boating or camping with family and friends. We love our summer nights in Horseshoe!

I am also fortunate to have a great significant other who is a pilot! We often travel to new places and sometimes just to one special place, our favorite place, Lake Powell. Hunting and shooting is a great hobby that I enjoy! Also riding with my mother.

If you could give one quick piece of advice, what would it be?

Always make the choice that scares you the most. Take the road with more curves as these are the choices that will ask you the most. Never stop challenging yourself.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in Sweetwater County?

The Flaming Gorge! There are so many wonderful stories with my family and friends. The first time my boys surfed, the first time my uncle pulled my siblings and me on a hose behind the boat.

Who would you like to play in a movie about yourself?

Reese Witherspoon! By far my favorite actress. I would choose her because, I mean, has she ever had a bad movie? She can handle my mess like it is nothing.

What would you sing at karaoke?

Travel, don’t stop believing. Not because I sound good, but because everyone will sing it with me!

What is one of your proudest accomplishments?

My two boys! With their individual achievements, they give me, as a young mother, the feeling that I have done something right!

It was also important for me to get the HiSET (High School Equivalency Credential). It felt terrible not to finish high school, raise boys and tell them to go to college while I didn’t. That opened so many doors for me.

What is unique about you?

I am bilingual! I speak and write Spanish fluently with no lessons. Living in Mexico for a short time has helped me speak and understand better. I hope to learn sign language too!

Why do you live in Wyoming?

I can’t promise I’ll be here forever as I would like to be in a warmer place. Living here all my life has been amazing. I chose to live here because I have incredible support from the community, family and loving friends.

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