Award Named in Local Health Advocate's Honor

About Isabel P. Ruiz

"She is a true humanitarian." The Tribune, June 4, 2007

Isabel P. Ruiz came to America in 1973 as a medical doctor (OB/GYN) trained in her native Peru. She was described as a leader, an instrument of change and a tremendously caring individual committed to advocacy and community. She worked tirelessly as an advocate for local women and for the Latino community. Her philosophy was always to "be the bridge" whenever opportunities arose to help an individual become more self sufficient.

In her professional life in San Luis Obispo County, Ruiz was the director of EOC Health Services, clinic manager of Community Health Centers, and a social worker for the County Health Dept. She also supported many organizations in a volunteer capacity, including the boards of the French Hospital Medical Center, the American Cancer Society and the Oceano Community Center. She was an active member of the Latino Outreach Council, a leader in her church and in her community. In 2001, Ruiz was given the Cuesta College Women of Distinction Award for Progress for Women. Mrs. Ruiz passed away in July 2009.

Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award

2011 Award Nominations

  • The nomination deadline was June 15, 2011

2010 Award Recipient Xelina Rojas

The award was presented to Xelina by David Ruiz, Isabel's son

The Community Foundation presented the 4th Annual Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award to Paso Robles High School Counselor, Xelina Rojas on September 21, 2010. The award was presented in front of a standing room only crowd at the Paso Robles City Council meeting.

Paso Robles Mayor Duane Picanco also presented Xelina with a Proclamation from the City of Paso Robles

Xelina is pictured flanked by David and Napoleon Ruiz (Isabel's husband)

About the Award

The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award annually recognizes and rewards a local individual for outstanding efforts in advocacy and caring for local people in San Luis Obispo County. This award is also designed to highlight and encourage those who follow in Mrs. Ruiz's footsteps to remain committed to community organizing and advocacy to improve the lives of everyone in San Luis Obispo County.

For more information about the Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award, contact Janice Fong Wolf, Director of Grants and Programs at (805)543-2323 or jwolf@sloccf.org
 

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