40 Under 40: Claudia Ruiz – City of Fresno
Claudia Ruiz is originally from Hermosillo, Sonora in Mexico, and move to Earlimart, California in 1987. She later moved to Fresno in 2004 to take classes at California State University, Fresno.
Claudia Ruiz
As a child she wanted to be a nurse, and was a pre-nursing student at College of the Sequoias in Visalia. She next enrolled in the bachelor’s nursing program at Fresno State. While taking her prerequisites she worked as an intern at Children’s Hospital Central California, where she read to and played with young cancer patients. Ruiz also served as an atrium desk assistant at Fresno State’s University Courtyard, working the night shift.Ruiz graduated with a degree in health science with a community health option, and planned on being a health educator. She interned at Planned Parenthood, teaching a weekly course to teenage mothers. In 2007 Ruiz started work with the City of Fresno’s PARCS Department. She went on to be a computer lab technician at the Hinton Center, an after-school instructor for Fresno’s BEST program, and a case manager for Fresno County EOC’s Workforce Connection.
Ruiz first met current Fresno City Council Member Clint Olivier during his campaign in April 2010, and the two became friends. After he won the primary election, she said she would be interested in being his chief of staff, and he hired her. On a daily basis she handles Olivier’s schedule, which is identical to hers. She also manages his staff, monitors spending, and sometimes speaks with constituents. Ruiz also serves in a leadership role with the Central California Latina Network.
Favorite Movie: “The Hurt Locker”
Favorite Music Artist/Band: Marina and the Diamonds, Lady Gaga
Last Book Read: “A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish Responsibility” by Taner Akcam
“40 Under 40″ The Ultimate Networking Event, honoring the Class of 2012, will be held Thursday, March 21 at the Skyroom Lounge in Holiday Inn Fresno Downtown. Tickets to the event are now on sale, and are available for purchase on www.40u40.com.
Each day leading up to the event, a different member of the Class of 2012 will be featured in a story on www.BusinessStreetOnline.com. Be sure to sign up for our daily news alerts by visiting www.BusinessStreetOnline.com.
