Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivanna Ruiz
Ivanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got involved with the Diversify Our Narrative organization in February of last year by working with the story-telling committee to amplify the stories and voices of minority communities in the media. In particular, I recall having the honor of interviewing Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kareema Bee and learning about her passion for increasing representation of Black women in film. Through my work with the storytelling committee, I discovered an opportunity to advise the San Diego County Office of Education with Ethnic Studies curriculum implementation by sharing a local, student perspective last summer. Starting July, through the DON Ethnic Studies Taskforce, I began joining numerous bi-weekly meetings with the office to share a little bit about what I would envision for an Ethnic Studies course as a Mexican-American student. Now, I serve on their Ethnic Studies Conference Steering Committee and have the privilege of helping organize upcoming educational, community events on Ethnic Studies by organizing student panel groups and brief student presentations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While for the most part it has been a smooth role, managing school courses, a part-time job, and my role on the Ethnic Studies Taskforce has definitely forced me to enhance my time management skills by reserving specific down-time throughout the day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in the implementation of Ethnic Studies here in San Diego County. Through this opportunity, I have had the ability to enhance my understanding of student-led pedagogy with like-minded peers through weekly meetings, as our taskforce frequently works to promote the student-developed curriculum of Diversify our Narrative. I have also been exposed to the numerous components that accompany a new curriculum implementation including: leading focus groups, professional development sessions, community-engagement, and data-analysis to improve the efficiency of implementation. I am personally most interested in the community events that have accompanied this policy, as I previously mentioned, I am currently involved in the development of two Ethnic Studies informational, community seminars. One of my proudest achievements was serving as a student speaker at an All-Staff San Diego Unified Conference this past September.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those hoping to get involved with DON, I advise that you get started as soon as possible by launching a school chapter where you can host frequent, empowering conversations on how students can be change-makers within the community. The DON National Board is eager to assist any new chapter leaders in taking off by providing meeting/event suggestions and other organizing resources! I also encourage individuals to apply for a National Board positions when applications open next year.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diversifyournarrative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diversifyournarrative/?hl=en
