Vote Selena Ruiz-Gomez
City Council-At Large

Hello Pueblo,

 

My name is Selena Ruiz-Gomez and I am honored to be your candidate for Pueblo City Council At Large. Let me introduce myself.

 

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My Family/ Mi Familia.

 

I come from very humble roots. My father, Jesus Ruiz, was a union carpenter. He served tours in Vietnam in the Marines and Navy. His family immigrated from Santa Barbara Mexico in 1956 when he was five years old. My mother, Dolores Ruiz, worked at St. Mary Corwin Hospital serving the community working as medical professional and then in admissions.

 

Let me also acknowledge Yes.. I am a Gomez from that beautiful Gomez family from the Grove who lived on “D” Steet. There is a picture of us posted here, because I am made from where I came from. My grandparents are Benito and Magdalena Gomez. My grandfather was a brick maker at AP Green and also served in WWII (Italian Theater). While raising 16 children, my grandmother also worked at St. Mary Corwin in housekeeping.

 

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Pueblo Educated:

 

When I was 15 years old, my family moved back to Pueblo.

 

I was actively involved in student body activities and in music at South High School. In 2000, I graduated with honors.

 

I was also active in my faith community serving as catechist at Mount Carmel Parish.

 

As a teenager my life was changed when I had the opportunity to take part in Search of Pueblo. For many years I was blessed with the opportunity to serve in youth ministry in my community.

 

I went on to study and complete my Bachelors Degree in Sociology/Criminology with emphasis in: Chicano Studies, Women’s Studies and Political Science at CSU-Pueblo. While at CSU-Pueblo I was active in Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. I also served as a Legislative Intern for Representative Dorothy Butcher HD 46 at the Colorado Legislature.

 

 

Paying It Forward:

 

Upon graduation from CSU-Pueblo I began my career in helping professions as a Family Advocate at RMSER Head Start. For 10 years I had the privilege of supporting low income families, developing goals to give their children the best opportunity possible for school readiness!

 

In 2009, I decided it was time to take that next step in my career, and while working full-time at Head Start, I was pursuing and achieving my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adam’s State University.

 

A very gracious woman afforded my opportunity to intern at Sangre de Cristo Hospice during my graduate clinical Studies. After graduation I was hired on and was honored to serve the community of Pueblo during some of the most difficult times in their life as a Medical Social worker and Bereavement Counselor.

 

In 2015 I continued building on my career as mental health professional and began working in Community Mental Health serving members of the community in assessing and providing needed crisis support and working on advocating and connecting clients with the the most appropriate level of care. As a licensed mental health profession over the last 6 years, I have been working with Puebloans supporting them in taking to steps toward navigating their way toward mental health wellness. Over the last 18 months, I have embarked upon being engaged in shared leadership and governance. supporting, identifying, and developing strategies to improve services to diverse populations in Pueblo. I am honored to say I have received many internal customer service awards and was awarded the accolade for most valued team member in 2019 by leadership in my organization, Health Solutions.

 

I have also dedicated the last two and half years to growing as a community organizer through my participation as team-member leader for Center For Health Progress. I currently serve on the Board of Directors and as the Equity Officer. I am honored to be working with this organization in our efforts to promote health justice for all.

 

Over the last two years I have been involved in leadership and volunteerism with the Pueblo Democratic Party. This is my third year serving on their executive committee.

 

I am the Nini to 4 four beautiful god-children who bring me joy every day and keep me inspired every day!

 

I am a daughter, sister, friend and fashionista. I love my Zumba Community.

 

To all my friends and family who know me I am Sal. They will will tell you my slogan for this campaign should be Sal’s your Pal! My family is my foundation and I would not be where I am without our togetherness love and support!