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Maria Ruiz

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Gardening
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Baking

Reading

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

I received my Associate’s in Sociology from Long Beach City College and am starting this fall at California State Long Beach where I plan to receive my Bachelor’s degree. I am a first generation immigrant, passionate about education, immigration, and civil rights. I helped unionize my Starbucks store, one of the first in California to do so. I then went in to work with Starbucks Workers United , Los Angeles Alliance For A New Economy, ORALE, and other local organizations , advocating for worker and civil rights. I had the opportunity to work on the successful measure RW campaign in Long Beach, resulting in the highest minimum wage for hotel workers in the country. I have had an unconventional experience while getting my education, and every road block and reroute drove my passion further. I know that education can open closed doors, for myself and others.

Education

Long Beach City College

Associate's degree program

2023 – 2025

Majors:
  • Sociology

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Sociology, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Political Science and Government, Public Health, Social Sciences, Other, Behavioral Sciences, Community Organization and Advocacy, Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies, Law, Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other, Social Work
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
No
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Canvasser, Intern

    Civic & Social Organization · Los Angeles Alliance For A New Economy

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

  • Organizer

    Civic & Social Organization · Starbucks Workers United

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Civic & Social Organization
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Maria Ruiz Student Profile | Bold.org