Ruiz, Victor

Education: Certified Professional Diversity Coach; Baldwin Wallace University, bachelor’s degree; Cleveland State University, master’s degree in education
First Job: McDonald’s
Toughest Challenge: My wife and I had our first child at the age of 17. We had a strong support system, so we were able to graduate high school and pursue a college education. We both have advanced degrees and good careers.
Most Inspiring Person: My mother. She was a single mother, worked multiple jobs and persevered through a lot of hardships. She was adamant that the only way out of poverty was through education.
What Keeps Me Up at Night: As a person of color, the current political environment that we are in keeps me up at night. I feel threatened by rhetoric from some people in leadership and influential positions.