Lailani Ruiz

I attribute my success to my family, my resilience, and my commitment to growth.

Being the oldest of six taught me responsibility, leadership, and the importance of showing up for others. My family’s support—and the values I learned in my Puerto Rican and Portuguese household—gave me the foundation and motivation to keep pushing forward. I also credit my success to my determination to grow, even when the path wasn’t easy. Every challenge has strengthened my drive and shaped me into the woman I am today. Ultimately, my success comes from a mix of hard work, faith, and the belief that I can create positive change for the next generation.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to embrace every opportunity to learn—even the ones that feel uncomfortable or unexpected. I was taught that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, ask questions, and stay open to new experiences. That advice has guided me through challenges, career transitions, and higher education, reminding me that every step, big or small, is part of a bigger purpose.

My advice to young women entering education is to lead with empathy, stand confidently in your voice, and never underestimate the impact you can make. This field is built on connection, patience, and heart—qualities women bring in powerful ways. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your students or for yourself, and trust that your perspective matters. Stay curious, keep learning, and surround yourself with mentors who believe in your growth. Most importantly, remember that the work you do can change lives, including your own.

One of the biggest challenges in education right now is meeting the diverse academic, emotional, and cultural needs of students while balancing limited resources and high expectations. Teachers are navigating larger class sizes, rising behavioral and mental-health needs, and increasing demands from families and schools. There’s also a growing need for culturally responsive teaching and stronger support systems for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.

At the same time, these challenges create powerful opportunities. Educators have more access than ever to research-based practices, technology that enhances learning, and professional pathways that support growth and leadership. There is a rising push for inclusion, equity, and representation—opening the door for new voices, like young women of color, to shape the future of education and redefine what strong, impactful teaching looks like.

The values most important to me are compassion, integrity, and family. In both my work and personal life, I believe in showing up for others with empathy and understanding. Being the oldest of six taught me early on what it means to lead with kindness, patience, and responsibility. Those experiences shape the way I support my students, collaborate with families, and stay grounded in who I am.

I also value growth and cultural pride. My Puerto Rican and Portuguese roots remind me to honor where I come from, stay connected to my community, and represent my culture with pride. In my career, I hold myself to a standard of honesty, hard work, and continuous learning. These values guide my decisions, my relationships, and the way I hope to inspire those around me.