Erasmo Ruiz

My name is Erasmo Ruiz and I am running to be your District 2 Bethel School Board Director. A proud graduate of the Oregon public school system and first-generation college graduate — raised by immigrant farm working parents from Mexico. I understand deeply how a supportive public education can improve a person’s life. To me, education is the great equalizer — as well as a pathway for being a part of and achieving the American dream.

I graduated from Portland State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Education. In 2013 I served as a high school student success advocate in Portland, Oregon — and between 2015 and 2017 I taught English as a second language, social studies, and natural science to elementary school-aged children in Madrid, Spain. For the last 6 years, I have worked in social services and since 2019 I have worked as a social worker, agency-affiliated counselor/mental health professional in the foster care system. In 2022 I was appointed by the Pierce County, WA executive as a commissioner for immigrant and refugee affairs — and in early 2023 I was elected second vice chair of the WA State 2nd legislative district Democrats. I am also a precinct committee officer for the 2nd legislative district and a member of the Bethel School District Career and Technical Education General Advisory Committee.