Vanessa Ruiz
About Vanessa Ruiz
Vanessa Ruiz serves as the Managing Director of US Growth & Programs at Global Communities and has extensive experience in food security initiatives in San Diego. She has held various leadership roles, including President of the Bayside Community Center and Chairman of the Board for the San Diego Food System Alliance.
Work at Global Communities
Vanessa Ruiz currently serves as the Managing Director for US Growth & Programs at Global Communities. She has held this position since 2023, contributing to the organization's mission in a hybrid work environment based in San Diego, California. Her role involves strategic leadership and program development aimed at enhancing community growth and sustainability.
Leadership at Bayside Community Center
Since 2010, Vanessa Ruiz has been the President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Bayside Community Center. In this capacity, she oversees the organization's operations and strategic direction, focusing on community engagement and service delivery. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding the center's initiatives for over 14 years.
Education and Expertise
Vanessa Ruiz has pursued extensive education in management and leadership. She studied at San Diego Miramar College and Mesa Community College, achieving degrees in Accounting and Business/Management. Additionally, she has obtained various certifications, including a Public Speaking Certificate from The Charisma Edge, a Not-for-Profit Management Development Certificate from Harvard Business Club of San Diego, and a Lean Enterprise Certificate from San Diego State University.
Involvement with San Diego Food System Alliance
Vanessa Ruiz has actively participated in the San Diego Food System Alliance, serving as Chairman of the Board since 2017. She chaired the Food Recovery working group from 2015 to 2020, focusing on strategies to reduce food waste and improve food access in the community. Her involvement reflects her commitment to addressing food security issues in San Diego.
Public Speaking and Presentations
Vanessa Ruiz has a strong background in public speaking, having presented at various conferences and events. Notably, she spoke at the San Diego Chargers 'Take Charge' event in 2016 and has been a presenter at the California Association of Food Banks Conference in 2011 and the Healthy Options Healthy Meals Conference in 2013. Her presentations often focus on food security and community engagement.