Chaparral 2024-2025: Sunshining Carla Ruiz as 2nd Vice President

Hello! My name is Carla Ruiz and I proudly serve as both an Academic Counselor and the Cultural Diversity Coordinator at Glendale Community College. My journey began at GCC as a counseling intern while completing my Master’s in Counseling at CSUN - Go Matadors! In Fall 2020, I was hired as a part-time academic counselor and in Fall 2022 I stepped into the role of Cultural Diversity Coordinator.

As a first-generation college student from a low-income, immigrant background, I bring a deep personal commitment to equity and social justice into everything I do. My counseling approach is rooted in these values with a focus on expanding support services and increasing access to resources for historically underrepresented students. As Cultural Diversity Coordinator, I facilitate workshops and events that foster a pluralistic understanding that reflects the student population at GCC. I believe learning is a lifelong process, and I feel very fortunate to support both students and my colleagues on their learning journeys.

Outside of work I’m a proud dog mom to Benito (6) my lovable 80lb of pit bull rescue but really, he rescued me! I love spending time with my family & close friends, oftentimes you’ll find me headed to a Dodgers game and on my weekends, you may find me running as I train for my next half marathon. I am honored to serve as the 2nd Vice President, representing my fellow part-time faculty, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning, service, and advocacy together.