Join our host, Robert MacPhee of Values Based Life, in this conversation with Cynthia Ruiz as they discuss her extensive background in business, her personal and organizational values in various roles, and the connections between Native wisdom and values.
Cynthia M. Ruiz is an Award-wining Professor, Best selling Author, Personal Development Speaker, Leadership expert and Transformational Leader. Receiving over 78 accolades and awards for her leadership and service to the community.
Coming from blended cultures Latina and Native American (Mexican & Cherokee), she enjoys a passion for life and a profound appreciation for Mother Earth.
Cynthia has decades of Executive level Experience, including the past Vice-President of the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Board (LADWP), overseeing the largest municipal Utility in the U.S. with a 6-Billion-dollar budget.
Previously she served for seven years as President for LACERS (Los Angeles City Employee Retirement System) overseeing a multibillion-dollar pension fund.
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 direct oversight of 6,000 employees and just under a billion dollar per year budget. She has worked as an Executive at the Port of Los Angeles (number one container Port in the US) and successfully managed her own business for two decades.
Cynthia holds a Master's of Science Degree in Counseling from California State University Los Angeles and has completed a Leadership Course at Harvard University, John F Kennedy School of Government.
She is the author of five books, including her most recent, "Sacred Ceremony & Ritual for Today's World; A how-to Guide." Plus, "Cherokee Wisdom- 12 Lessons for Becoming a Powerful Leader" (2 editions), "Finding Sane Relationships in a Crazy World" (English & Spanish), and "Yo Tambien- Stories of Healing & Hope" (English & Spanish).
She is a registered Cherokee Nation and is a Council Chair Cherokee.
