Her Story
About Angela
Angela Ruiz is a Planner II with Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), bringing more than two decades of experience in the utility sector. She joined EWEB in 2018 as a Customer Service Specialist and progressed through roles including Planner I before advancing to her current position in 2023. Her work has included business analysis, analytical activities, and utility planning, building on her broad experience within the public utility environment.
Angela earned a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2005. Her professional journey was influenced by mentors who encouraged her interests in science and mathematics and supported her pursuit of opportunities beyond traditional expectations for women. Today, her experience in utility planning and analysis allows her to apply analytical skills to operational and data-related challenges within the public utility sector.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Angela is committed to supporting children in her community. Since 2018, she has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of Lane County, providing a voice for children in foster care. She values honesty, efficiency, and transparency in both her professional and personal life and encourages the next generation of women to pursue opportunities with confidence rather than allowing others' doubts to limit what they believe they can achieve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my career development to the encouragement and guidance I received from mentors who supported my interest in science and mathematics. Their encouragement helped me pursue opportunities in utilities despite the traditional expectations that can sometimes surround women entering scientific and technical fields. Their support helped me find a fulfilling career path and continue developing professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received came from mentors who encouraged me to pursue my strengths in science and mathematics after college. Their support gave me the confidence to explore a career in utilities and showed me that I did not have to follow traditional expectations when choosing my professional path.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women not to let someone else's doubts determine what they believe they can accomplish. Just because someone thinks you cannot do something does not mean you cannot do it. I would encourage women to pursue opportunities that interest them and have confidence in their own abilities.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Remote work can present its own challenges, particularly when it comes to communication, collaboration, and maintaining effective working relationships. At the same time, remote work provides opportunities to approach utility planning and data analysis in new ways.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are honesty, efficiency, and transparency. I believe these principles are important both in how I approach my professional responsibilities and how I interact with others.
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