2011-2012 Doug and Grace Loughlin Scholarship Winner: Joann Ruiz

Joann Ruiz is twenty-one years old and was raised by her Puerto Rican parents on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The Lower East Side is historically known for low-income immigrant families and first generation students. Joann participated in programs designed to help students develop a solid educational foundation and adjust to America. The experiences she had in these programs as a first- generation student helped her realize that many people in the world do not receive the support that has helped her be successful.

Joann works to inform her community concerning issues and services for people in need. She anticipates a career working in other countries to help create sustainable social- economic development programs for the poorest areas of the world. In preparing for a career of service to others, Joann is studying International French Relations at the City University of New York's Lehman College. Joann participated in creating the concentration of her studies to help her understand the structures and operation of wealthy nations. This education will help her design programs that enable nations to meet the social and economic needs of citizens. Upon graduation from Lehman College, Joann will enter a graduate program to study International Development or International Affairs.

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