, M.Ed., Chief Access and Equity Officer/Executive Director, Tania M. Barber Learning Institute at Caring Health Center, is a scholar and practitioner with expertise in higher education, access and equity within BIPOC, adult learning communities, organizational behavior and workforce development. Dr. Ruíz directs the development of workforce equity training and education programs within Caring Health Center to bridge community access to increase access to professions in community health. Dr. Ruíz has 20 years of experience working in community educational programming, STEM education and evaluation, and advocacy and inclusion programs. She is faculty affiliate at UMass Amherst. Dr. Ruíz earned both her PhD and Master’s degrees at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Policy, Research and Administration with a concentration in urban education, access and equity with an emphasis on first generation students, BIPOC community and adult learners. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education from Mount Holyoke College. In addition to her roles at CHC, Dr. Ruíz teaches foundational courses on professional practice and career development, equity, justice, and anti-racist frameworks. She has presented nationally at research conferences and is a published author.
