Cruz will reign as Miss Teen USA for a shorter period than most titleholders as the pageant will be held in conjunction with Miss USA from 2008. During her reign she will make appearances on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization alongside her sister queens Rachel Smith, Miss USA 2007, from Tennessee, and Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, from Japan. In the first month of her reign she will travel to Mallorca with Smith and Mori to participate in a charity event.

Cruz graduated from Centaurus High School in 2007 and was going to attend the University of Northern Colorado but chose to put those plans on hold after winning the national title. Cruz hopes to have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and landed a job with a TV entertainment news program by 2012.

Cruz has performed in over 15 plays throughout her life, which she cites as the reason for her confidence on stage. During her tenure as Miss Teen USA 2007, Hilary will continue to work with EFAA, Emergency Family Assistance Association, a charity that helps people in financial crisis one day become more self-sufficient. Cruz will also address students and Girl and Boy Scout troops about how to make smart decisions and achieve goals