Cynthia Ruiz

Cynthia Ruiz grew up in Highland Park. She graduated from Cal State LA in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies and rehabilitation counseling, and in 1980 with a master’s in rehabilitation counseling.

“My parents divorced when I was seven. I had a lot of instability in my life. Nobody in my world had gone to college. I knew that if I wanted a different life, something other than being surrounded by gangs and drugs and all the negativity, that college was my way out.

College would have been much more difficult [without EOP]; I would have been much more isolated. EOP became my support network with friends and a place to hang out. They gave me guidance in what classes to take, the basics of college. It was the support I needed that I didn’t get from family or friends.

It’s been a very, very lovely ride. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I’ve had. Without EOP, without Cal State LA I probably would have gone to community college and that’s a different path. I think community colleges are great, but EOP and Cal State LA accelerated my path. Because I’m motivated and I’m driven, I would have gotten somewhere, but I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities.”

Cynthia runs her own executive coaching firm, is a published author, is involved with Girls Today, Women Tomorrow and is the founder the Wise Latina Network. She was recently appointed president of the Los Angeles City Employees’ Retirement System (LACERS) Board of Administration.