Alicia Maria Ruiz

Alderman Ruiz, was born and raised in Little Village as the eldest of 5 children. Transplanting to Berwyn in 1999, Alderman Ruiz quickly engaged in the community by volunteering in numerous capacities willing to serve to improve any issue.

Ruiz’ proudest accomplishment is being a single mother of 3 adult children and 6 grandchildren.  She is passionate about her work as an Alderman and Urban Planner.  She believes all families deserve safe communities, inclusivity, and representation wherever they call home.

Since being elected as the first Latina Alderman in 2017, she has curated initiatives in the 6th Ward such as the Adelante Award, establishing a Young Latina Day Proclamation, Veterans Outreach Committee, Adopt-A-Block Program, Community Block Party Celebration, Clean-ups and Gardening projects, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and an Ad-Hoc Diversity Commission.

Now serving in her second term, she is already trailblazing and working on resources to bring to the community on climate change, tenant/landlord topics, and increasing engagement in the community giving everyone a voice to be heard.  Alderman Ruiz, continues to serve as the Aldermanic Chair on the Public Works, Parking, Trees, Traffic, Streets & Sewers Committee.  She is currently a Graduate Candidate at the University of Chicago at Illinois in Urban Planning and Policy (CUPPA).

Alderman Ruiz believes it is important to pay it forward.  She demonstrates this by offering her leadership skills in many roles in the real estate industry and in her community where she is recognized as a game changing champion. Some of her roles include being the Chair for the Chicago Association of Realtors West Towns Chapter and Foundation Board of Trustees; the President of the Prairie Oak Elementary School PTO; the President of the City of Homes Organization; appointed as a Commissioner on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Historical Preservation Commissions; and Honorary Member of the Fig Factor Foundation.

She currently volunteers her time to her own initiative the Mary L. Rogers Scholarship which was created to elevate women to go after their dreams and be their authentic selves and as a Member of the Little Village Rotary Club.

Alderman Ruiz’ passion and commitment to pay it forward and initiate positive change has improved lives for many families in the communities that she continually and tirelessly serves.