Honoring Her Heritage

By Matt Hawkins

Political science and Spanish double major Ileana Ruiz ’17 took her passion for service to the nation’s capitol this summer. As an intern for the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the North Riverside, Illinois, native explored new opportunities to become a leader among her peers.

The internship gave Ruiz new perspective on her desire to be a role model and leader in the Hispanic community. Though her formal summer duties focused on language translation, social media and event organization, she quickly learned the value of servant leadership by observing HHF leadership.

“I knew the Foundation would greatly benefit me because of its strong leadership development focus,” Ruiz said. “It has a mission of innovating, connecting and inspiring Hispanic leaders and the experience shaped me into the leader I want to become.”

She quickly discovered interns received responsibilities of importance to the HHF’s mission. Document translation and social media engagement were vital projects for the organization’s mission. Plus, she helped plan the HHF’s annual Hispanic Heritage Awards show — an event that receives national media attention.

“It’s gratifying knowing that I’m seen as a part of the team, not just an intern,” Ruiz said. “It’s rewarding to know I’m making a valuable contribution and to see how my voice is being heard in the Hispanic community.”

The internship developed through a surprise connection with HHF CEO Jose Antonio Tijerino. Ruiz participated in Bradley’s off-campus study Washington Semester program for the spring 2016 semester. One project required she profile an influential person of interest, and she chose Tijerino.

Project conversations eventually led to an internship offer — and the chance to observe a role model.

“We bonded over the fact that both he and my parents were immigrants who transitioned successfully to the U.S. with pride, progress and hard work,” Ruiz said. “The compassion we both had to impact the Hispanic community led him to give me the opportunity to intern at the Foundation.”