Ruth shares a similar story as that of millions of immigrants in the United States; she was seven years old when she migrated from Mexico to the US with her mother, brother and sister to reunite with her older brother and father. A proud student of Chicago Public Schools, Ruth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Management from Roosevelt university (RMUI).

 

Ruth Cruz has over 16 years of work experience in higher education. Her dedication and passion for empowering students to achieve their educational goals has kept her in the field for many years. Throughout her career, she has provided counseling and advising to prospective new, transfer, and adult students regarding undergraduate and graduate programs. Ruth has been recognized for developing strategic partnerships and applying forward-thinking solutions. In her leadership roles, she has led and managed projects that drove initiatives to impact enrollment, developing strategies, re-evaluating processes, talent development, and managerial skills. Ruth’s passion to help others goes beyond education.

 

She is passionate about empowering and guiding her community to connect with valuable resources. She knows there is a need to bring change to our city; with opportunities toward increasing city services, making sure working families can afford to live in our city, creating inclusive youth programs, bringing more quality jobs to the community, as well as more small business grants and relief programs. She also wants to work on addressing mental health needs and environmental justice.

Ruth Cruz also serves as an elected community representative at the Local School Council at Foreman High School. Additionally, Ruth graduated from the 4th cohort of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Leadership Academy. As a leader, she understands the importance of continually developing her skills to be a better and stronger leader.

She volunteers in the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court. Her focus is to join forces with other members of the community to bring together people impacted by trauma and crime to repair the harm.
 

Ruth has a wonderful family: husband Oscar - a proud Union member of LiUNA Local 76, daughter Elaine, son Ricky and their dog Turbo. She is a woman of integrity - honest, determined, visionary, hard working and passionate to serve her community.