Zuyva Ruiz

This month we’re highlighting WPFN Member Zuyva Ruiz, budget manager for the City of San Bernardino, California. 

How has someone in the public finance community helped you rise in your career—and how do you pay that forward? 

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some truly dedicated and generous professionals throughout my career—both in the public and private sectors. Many of them took the time to mentor me, challenge me, and open doors that allowed me to grow, often in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. While I certainly worked hard and sought out opportunities, I know I didn’t get here alone. 

The way I strive to pay that forward is through a leadership style grounded in empathy, encouragement, and development. I work to create spaces where people feel empowered to speak up, take initiative, and pursue growth opportunities. I try to share everything I’ve learned—whether it’s technical knowledge, career guidance, or simply being a sounding board. My goal is to help those around me not just succeed, but to thrive in a way that feels natural and self-driven, just as others once did for me.

What’s one way you build or contribute to community—at work or outside of it?

One way I try to build and contribute to community is by intentionally bringing people together across roles, departments, and sometimes even comfort zones. At work, this means advocating for collaboration and open communication, and helping to create environments where people feel heard, supported, and empowered to contribute. I also prioritize mentorship—especially for those who are navigating new challenges or seeking direction in their careers—because I know how impactful it can be to have someone in your corner.

Outside of work, I’ve always felt called to support causes that bring people together in meaningful ways. For several years, I organized “Midnight Madness” through Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society, a deeply personal initiative, where I invited friends and family, many of whom had lost loved ones to cancer or were supporting someone in the fight, to find healing and hope in community. It became something many of us looked forward to year after year.

Whether it’s volunteering for local initiatives or serving through my work in public budgeting, I’ve found that community is at the heart of everything I do. It's what ultimately led me to move from the private sector into public service, where I could combine my passion for numbers with the opportunity to tell meaningful stories and serve others transparently and responsibly.

At the core, I believe building community is about creating connection and reminding people that they’re not alone—that their voice and place in the world truly matter.

What activity, hobby, or interest helps you recharge and show up strong for others?

In 2022, I adopted a dog, whom I named Davina, from our city’s animal shelter, and she has truly become a grounding presence in my life. She's a reactive dog  and has been a daily reminder of the power of patience, compassion, and being present. Spending time with her, especially after long days or intense stretches during budget season, is one of the ways I recharge. Whether it's a quiet moment at home or a weekend hike with friends, those experiences help me reset and bring my full self back to the work I care about.

I also find energy in revisiting my favorite leadership books and audiobooks by authors like Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, Steve Munby, John Maxwell, and Daniel Goleman. These resources help me reflect, stay grounded in my values, and strengthen my leadership approaches, especially in moments when my advocacy or ideas may not be immediately embraced. Re-centering through learning and reflection helps me show up with authenticity, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose for the people and teams I support.