Veronica Ruiz, BBM, MSW, CHW

I attribute my success to the incredible people who have supported, mentored, and believed in me throughout my journey. I have been fortunate to learn from strong leaders and mentors, including physicians, colleagues, and executives who have guided and inspired me along the way. My CEO, Marci Mir, has been a significant influence in my professional growth; as a former social worker herself, she has served as both a role model and a source of inspiration, and I am grateful to now work alongside her. I also deeply honor the late Mary Jo May, a former CEO within the FQHC system I serve, who played a pivotal role in opening doors for me early in my career and whose leadership continues to impact my perspective. Above all, I recognize that my success is not mine alone—it belongs to my team,my family, my children, my colleagues, and the patients and community members I serve every day, who continually motivate me to show up with purpose and dedication.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my parents. They taught me to never give up, to remember that I am stronger than I think, and that even when I fall, I must get back up and try again. In our home, one phrase carried so much weight: “Échale ganas, tú puedes.” Those words shaped me. They made me feel like a fighter in the ring — seen, supported, and reminded that even if I go down, I am not meant to stay down. People are watching, people are counting on me, and I owe it to myself to rise.My faith has also been a guiding force. I believe that with God all things are possible, and that with Him by my side, I can face anything. One verse that stays with me is the promise of “beauty for ashes” from Isaiah 61:3 — a reminder that God can turn pain into purpose, loss into strength, and struggle into transformation. As long as we have life, we have the power to keep moving forward.My parents also taught me that no one is above anyone else. Titles don’t make us better — character does. We are called to treat every person with dignity, humanity, and respect.This combination of family wisdom, faith, and lived experience has shaped the way I work, lead, and show up in the world.

My advice to young women entering this field or any field is to not give up, even when it feels difficult or overwhelming. As a single mother, a former teen mother, and a parent of a child with autism, I understand the challenges that can come with balancing personal responsibilities and professional goals. However, if you have the drive and passion for this work, I encourage you to pursue it without fear and without second-guessing yourself. Growth comes from taking risks, and you won’t know what you’re capable of unless you try. I often remind even my own daughters that doubt can hold you back more than failure ever will. Stay confident, trust your purpose, and keep moving forward even when the path feels uncertain. I also want to remind other women that we are stronger when we stand united. Never let anyone — or anything — convince you that you are not capable of achieving your goals. Hold on to your worth, protect your dreams, and move toward them with courage.Don’t allow the person who holds you back to be you. Even if something doesn’t go exactly as planned, you can still say, “I tried.” Trying is strength. Trying is growth. Trying is how we step into our purpose.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the reality that the need is far greater than the resources available. As someone who is deeply driven by outcomes and meaningful change, it can be difficult knowing that I cannot help everyone, even when the need is urgent and real.Another challenge is the lack of sustained drive and commitment that I see in parts of the community‑based workforce. This work requires more than completing tasks — it requires a commitment to ourselves, to our purpose, and to the communities we serve. Community work is not just a job; it’s a responsibility.At the same time, there is a tremendous opportunity: the opportunity to bring more compassion back into the field. Not everyone has it easy, and we must never forget that at one point, it may have been us — and it could be us again. The question is always: How would you want to be treated?Compassion, humility, and humanity are not optional in this work. They are the foundation.We must never forget to remain humble.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, impact, and empowerment. I find deep meaning in seeing the tangible results of the work I do, whether it’s a family receiving a food basket through a partnership my team helped secure or an individual gaining the confidence to advocate for themselves. I am naturally more of a behind-the-scenes person, and I am far more fulfilled by the outcomes and lasting change created in the community than by recognition or spotlight. My community is at the center of everything I do, and because I come from it myself, I am committed to giving back through compassion, advocacy, and access to care. Ultimately, I value ensuring that people not only receive support when they need it, but also leave with the tools, confidence, and empowerment to support themselves and others.