Angel Ruiz

Maria Ruiz’s Dedication to Combating Gender-Roles and Racism in Mexico & the U.S.

As the eldest daughter, Maria was told that her destiny was to be a wife and mother, and there was no need for her to go to school to get an education. Religion, cultural and societal norms dictated how Maria should live her life. Even though she held many familial responsibilities, this did not stop Maria from chasing her dreams of becoming a teacher and getting her education. At 20 years old, she immigrated to the U.S, where she faced racism and discrimination due to her being a Spanish speaker. As an advocate for immigrant student’s right to education and resources while being a single mother, Maria has reclaimed her strength. Despite the roadblocks Maria faced, she still is dedicated to challenging peoples perspectives on traditional gender norms and racism.

Trigger Warning: Racism