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Listen to this articleCynthia M. Ruiz
Author, Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Expert, Professor, & Commissioner — Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System
Cynthia M. Ruiz is an Author, Professor, Commissioner, Inspirational Speaker, and Leadership Expert. Receiving over 50 accolades and awards for her leadership and service to Los Angeles. She currently serves as an LA City Commissioner overseeing the multibillion-dollar pension portfolio for City employees.
She has received the prestigious Hollywood Chamber “Women of Distinction Award, the HOPE “Ray of Hope” award and the Weingart, “Women Building LA Award. Twice the California Apparel News has listed her on their renowned List of Influential People and LA Weekly showcased her in their people addition.
Cynthia has over twenty years of experience teaching and public speaking. She is the author of “Finding Sane Relationships in a Crazy World” (English & Spanish) a self-help book and “Cherokee Wisdom- 12 Lessons for becoming a Powerful Leader”. She appeared in Discover the Gift (movie/book) with such notables, as is Holiness the Dala Lama, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Jack Canfield and many more.
Her career has placed her in many leadership roles including President of the Board of Public Works for the City of Los Angeles where she had oversight of 5,000 employees and a billion dollar per year budget. She has worked as an Executive at the number one container Port in the US and has successfully run her own business.
Cynthia holds a Masters of Science Degree in Counseling and has completed a Leadership Course at Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of Government.
Coming from blended cultures (Latina and Native American), she enjoys a passion for life and an appreciation of the gifts of Mother Nature.
Cynthia knows the importance of giving back and always strives to stay humble. As a Latina she has a passion for women empowerment. Her Cherokee values have inspired her to teach others the lessons she has learned through her books and workshops.
She lives in Los Angeles where she enjoys the diversity of a metropolitan city.
