Influential Woman · Artificial Intelligence Education

Ruby Garcia

Co-Founder, Head of Strategic Partnerships & Impact, The Latino AI Summit

Chapel Hill, NC

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's degree (in progress Degree Second one) Degree Bachelor's degree (completed at age 26) Member ECHO Youth and Adult Entrepreneurship Board of Directors

Her Story

About Ruby

I've spent the past decade in the leadership development space, helping professionals step into greater confidence, clarity, and influence. Prior to that, I built a 15-year career in Fortune 500

companies across sales, sales training, and enablement, where I developed a deep understanding of performance, growth, and what it truly takes to lead inside complex organizations.

My transition into coaching was personal. After experiencing the transformative impact of working with a coach myself, I became committed to creating that same level of support and expansion for others. My work has always centered on helping individuals achieve meaningful goals, increase their visibility, and lead with intention.

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshaped the workforce over the past few years, I recognized both a risk and an opportunity. I work closely with the Latino community, and I understood that without intentional access and education, existing disparities could widen. I felt a responsibility to ensure our community was not left behind but are positioned to lead.

In response, I co-founded and launched the first-ever Latino AI Summit on January 28–29. It was the first event of its kind dedicated to centering Latino voices in artificial intelligence while remaining open and accessible to all allies who believe in equitable innovation. Built from the ground up with zero budget, the summit was entirely community-powered and grassroots-driven.

Nearly 500 participants joined us. More than 60% of our speakers were women, and we were deeply intentional about intersectional representation, ensuring Afro-Latino, LGBTQ+, and disabled leaders were meaningfully included in shaping the conversation.

Today, we are building far beyond a single event. The Latino AI Summit is evolving into a broader ecosystem focused on education, talent development, and innovation and designed to create infrastructure that expands access, economic mobility, and leadership pathways in emerging technologies.

This is not just about AI literacy. It’s about ownership, influence, and ensuring our communities are architects of the future, not just participants in it.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Ruby

01What do you attribute your success to?

If I had to attribute my success to one core factor, it would be this: I know who I am.

Over the years, I’ve invested deeply in internal work: identity work, values clarification, and understanding my strengths. I’ve taken the time to define what I stand for, what I’m uniquely equipped to contribute, and where my convictions lie. That clarity has become my compass.

Because I know myself, I can quickly discern alignment. I’m able to recognize what fits and what doesn’t, whether that’s a partnership, an opportunity, a collaboration, or a new direction. I don’t chase everything. I choose intentionally.

That inner clarity creates external confidence. It allows me to lead with conviction, build the right relationships, and make strategic decisions without second-guessing my foundation.

In my experience, sustainable success isn’t built on hustle, it’s built on self-awareness. The internal work is not separate from the outcomes. It’s the reason the outcomes exist.

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