Becoming an advocate for yourself and others

IU Northwest alumnus leads with purpose, pays it forward in his current role

A lot can happen in 13 years. For Gilberto Ruiz, every step since earning his degree from Indiana University Northwest’s School of Business and Economics in 2012 has been driven by one central theme: advocacy.

Advocacy for himself, for students and for communities who deserve to be heard.

Today, Ruiz is the Director of State Government Relations for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), where he champions the needs of all students across the Midwest. But his journey began close to home, on the IU Northwest campus.

At first, Ruiz chose IU Northwest for its affordability and proximity. What convinced him to stay were the professors who saw his potential and challenged him to think bigger.

“The teachers I had were very knowledgeable and hands-on,” he recalls. “They helped guide me and form close relationships that shaped the way I saw myself and the world.”

Among his mentors, Professor Charles Hobson inspired Ruiz in his management courses, while Associate Professor of French Scooter Pégram expanded his perspective beyond the borders of Whiting, his hometown.

“Dr. Pégram opened my mind to new horizons and social issues,” Ruiz said. “He taught me there are always three sides to every story: their side, your side and the truth.”

That broadened worldview gave Ruiz the confidence to pursue law. Law school was, as he describes it, “a whole different ball game.” But one skill from IU Northwest carried him through: the ability to advocate for himself.

“At IUN, I had to learn how to pitch my ideas and make myself understood — even when others didn’t see my vision right away. That skill has stayed with me in every role I’ve had,” he said.

After earning his law degree, Ruiz built his career in Chicago. He began as a solo practitioner handling civil litigation, criminal justice and estate cases, then moved into public service: first as in-house counsel for the Illinois Senate, then on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s legislative affairs team, and later at the Cook County State Attorney’s Office.

When the opportunity to join HACU arose, Ruiz knew it was the perfect fit.

“My education at IU Northwest prepared me for my future,” said Ruiz. “And with the advocacy skills I learned, I am now in a great professional position to use those skills to ensure all students have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

“It feels great to be able to pay it forward.”

It’s clear, Ruiz has become the kind of leader who not only charts his own path but also opens doors for others to follow. His story is proof that with persistence, mentorship and a willingness to advocate for yourself, you can become a powerful advocate for others.