Ricardo RuizThe son of potato factory workers, Ricardo hails from Othello, Washington and his works often draw from his experience as a first-generation Mexican-American. He is passionate about elevating the marginalized voices from rural communities and takes pide in being a conduit for cultural connection. His own struggles straddling cultures provide insight to the difficulties of the Mexican migrant worker and their families.Ricardo holds a Associates Degree in Business and Accounting from Big Bend Community College where he was recognized as Student of the year in both Business and Economics and English Composition. He also holds a Bachelors of Art in English: Creative Writing from the University of Washington and is an Army Veteran. While in the military Ricardo was recognized as Distinguished Honor Graduate and Distinguished Leader during his Advanced Leadership Course.Ricardo's happiest moments are when he is spending time with his children, writing with his daughter, playing video games with his son, cuddling his dad's dog Xena, and dancing in the kitchen with his wife-to-be. Ricardo takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection and brings marginalized voices into the center of all conversations that he is in. His own struggles straddling cultures provide insight into the difficulties of the Mexican migrant worker and their families. Read More Read Less