EAST LOS ANGELES-MONTEBELLO

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

SELECTS STEPHANIE RUIZ AS ITS “YOUNG CAREERIST FOR 2016”

East Los Angeles-Montebello Business and Professional Women (BPW) selected Stephanie Ruiz, who is the coordinator for the DISCOVERY Program at MERCI as its “Young Careerist for 2016.” DISCOVERY provides services for adults with developmental disabilities, with medically fragile conditions and severe behavioral challenges in the San Gabriel Valley. Ruiz will be accepting the award at the Wednesday, January 27th dinner meeting of the East Los Angeles-Montebello BPW at the Polly’s Pies Restaurant, 1322 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello. Networking starts at 4:30 P.M. with dinner to be ordered from the menu at 5:00 P.M. The meeting is open to the public. Reservations can be made by calling (626) 307-5650 or E-mailing lindalwilson@juno.com

Ruiz was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She obtained her B.A. in Social Work from California State University, Los Angeles. She has three years experience working in the field of Social Services and has spent the last three years working with homeless youth, emotionally disturbed teen girls and individuals with developmental disabilities. She is an active volunteer at The Compton Initiative, which is a non-profit organization that is committed to bringing hope and restoration to the City of Compton. She has also been coordinating an annual fundraiser for homeless on skid row during the holidays for the last eight years. Her future plans include pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work and to do volunteer work aboard.

Ruiz comes from a background that presented challenges. Unfortunately, there was a lack of stability and no consistent role models in her life except for her grandparents who were the only source of encouragement and support from childhood until now. Despite these challenges, Ruiz continued to have a positive outlook on life and was determined to set a higher standard for herself to have a better life. She has maintained her independence and continues to strive for excellence. Her strong-willed character is admired by many because she will always meet a person with a smile, and she is always willing to offer a helping hand.

The Young Careerist/Professional Program of BPW recognizes women and men between the ages of 21 and 35 who have been in their profession or business for at least a year.

For more information about BPW or the Young Careerist Program, call Linda Wilson at (626) 307-5650.