Grace Cruz
Designs That Connect. Code That Performs.
Creative and results-driven designer and developer with a track record of building responsive, accessible, and visually compelling digital products across nonprofit, ministry, and corporate sectors. I own projects end-to-end — from concept and wireframe through to pixel-perfect HTML/CSS/JS — and deliver work that drives real-world impact.
100+
Projects Delivered
10+
years experience
$M+
revenue influenced
100%
mission driven
SECTORS SERVED
Samaritan’s Purse Canada · Billy Graham Canada · Centre Street Church · United Way Calgary · Calgary Lighting Products · Toronto Hydro
A Designer Who Builds.
A Developer Who Thinks.
My journey into web design and front-end development started at the intersection of artistry and technology — a passion for creating digital experiences that are as beautiful as they are functional. I don’t just make websites look good; I make them work.
Over the past five years, I’ve specialized in the nonprofit sector, building comprehensive digital ecosystems for organizations like Samaritan’s Purse Canada, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, Centre Street Church, and United Way Calgary — organizations whose websites aren’t just marketing tools but mission-critical platforms that drive donations, mobilize volunteers, and communicate hope.
I’m currently deepening my expertise through a UI/UX Design Certification at the University of Alberta, adding formal UX methodology and user research frameworks to my practical development experience. My philosophy is simple: great web experiences are built on clear communication, intuitive navigation, and a genuine understanding of user needs.
I thrive where design and code meet — collaborating with stakeholders to translate goals into digital reality, from initial wireframe to live deployment.
End-to-End Ownership
From strategy and wireframe to final production code — I deliver complete solutions without handing off the hard parts.
Results-Oriented
Beautiful design that also drives donations, sign-ups, and action.
User First
Every decision is grounded in how real people will interact with the product.
Mission-Driven
Energized by work that matters — organizations whose digital presence has real-world impact on real people.
UI/UX & Visual Design
Crafting intuitive, user-centered interfaces using strong UX principles, visual hierarchy, and design systems. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma — from wireframe to polished high-fidelity mockup.
Front-End Development & Responsive Design
Writing clean, semantic HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript/jQuery across every device and screen size. Experienced with Bootstrap and responsive frameworks, cross-browser compatibility, and W3C standards — built to last, not to ship fast and break later.
WordPress & CMS Management
Deep WordPress expertise including the Gutenberg Block Editor and Full Site Editor — building complex multi-page sites, custom forms, theme customization, plugin integration, security auditing, and ongoing platform maintenance at scale.
Wireframing & Iterative Design
Building wireframes and prototypes to visualize and communicate ideas before a line of code is written — refining iteratively based on stakeholder feedback and keeping design and development aligned throughout.
SEO, Analytics & Performance
Implementing SEO strategies and Google Analytics reporting — translating user behaviour data into measurable improvements. Experienced auditing site performance, security vulnerabilities, and cross-browser compatibility to keep platforms fast and visible.
Collaboration & Project Delivery
Experienced collaborating with cross-functional teams of designers, developers, and stakeholders. Proficient with Git for version control, ensuring reliable, on-time, high-quality project delivery.
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript/Jquery, UI/UX Principles, Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Illustrator, WordPress, SEO Best Practices, Responsive Design.
Discover & Define
I start by deeply understanding your goals, audience, and what success looks like — asking the right questions before anything is designed or built.
Design & Prototype
Wireframes to high-fidelity mockups, refined with your input so there are no surprises at handoff.
Build & Refine
Clean, pixel-perfect HTML/CSS/JavaScript — responsive, accessible, and performance-optimized. Refined iteratively with your feedback before final sign-off
Launch & Support
I don’t disappear at handoff. Smooth launch, clear documentation, and available for improvements and ongoing support after go-live.
Portfolio
50+ Selected projects across nonprofit, ministry & corporate sectors
Resume
10+ years of experience, education & credentials
Looking for a Team
Where I Can Contribute.
After 12 years of building digital experiences for organizations I genuinely care about, I’m looking for a permanent home — a team where I can show up every day, grow alongside good people, and do work that makes a real difference. If that sounds like your organization, I’d love to have a conversation.
What I’m Looking For