Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

August 2, 2018 40 Under Forty 2018

Veronica Yvette Ruiz

Photo | J. Fiereck Photography

Age: 34

Company: Capital City Education Alliance

Title: Program Director

No. of years with current company: 1

Town where I live: Manchester

Town where I work: Hartford

College: Springfield College

Highest degree: Master's degree in human services

In her teen years Veronica Yvette Ruiz was a peer educator with the Hispanic Health Council teaching high school students about positive behaviors. She made her passion to help Hartford youth her career, by working for local nonprofit organizations including: Our Piece of the Pie and COMPASS Youth Collaborative/Peacebuilders.

While working for Compass Peacebuilders, her position was within the “street” component, which was a case management, youth development and crisis response program for at-risk youth in the city of Hartford. Currently as Capital City Education Alliance's program director, Yvette Ruiz teaches workforce readiness to middle schoolers through commercial painting.

What's been the biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?

My biggest professional accomplishment to date was receiving a master's degree in organizational management and leadership from Springfield College in May 2018. I'm the first person in my family to not only receive a bachelor's degree but also to receive a master's degree as well. I was recently accepted to Capella University to start my doctorate degree in social and community services.

How are you involved in the community?

My involvement in the Hartford community is long-lasting. I have been a resource to many at-risk youth and community partners. I attend events such as community clean up's and neighborhood meetings to ensure that I'm aware of what is going on in the community.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful children, significant other and family. All of my family members live in Hartford making Hartford my home and community.

What must happen to attract more talented young professionals to Greater Hartford?

In order for Greater Hartford to attract more talented young professionals to the area we must host more events that would attract this population. I feel many young professionals are not aware of where events are being hosted or how to get the correct information to attend them.

Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:

• Received the president's award from Connecticut Institute for Community Development board of directors.

• Received an acknowledgement for social work field instructor from University of St. Joseph's.

• Completed the requirements of the Leadership Development Initiative for the Middle Management Institute from the city of Hartford.

• Received an award for my dedication to the Peacebuilders Program and commitment to the city of Hartford from COMPASS Youth Collaborative Inc.

Fun Fact

I won the Miss Puerto Rico of Hartford 2001 beauty pageant.

Click here to return to 40 Under Forty landing page

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF