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Mary Ann Ruiz is a native of the South Miami area, a resident of South Miami for more than eight years with her husband and two young daughters, and an active member of the community.
She was raised in the Schenley Park neighborhood of Miami-Dade County since the age of one. She attended St. Theresa Catholic School and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, where she remains an active alumna. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance from Florida International University’s College of Business, and also earned her Master of Science in Integrated Communications from the School Florida International University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Mary Ann Ruiz went on to pursue her true passion for legal advocacy. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. She was selected to the Order of Barristers in recognition of her oral advocacy, brief writing and leadership skills. She was awarded the Marco Vazquez Scholarship for her achievements in the Litigation Skills Program. She was also a member of the Mock Trial Competition Team. Upon graduating in the Spring of 2007 and passing the bar in the Fall of 2007, Mary Ann joined a prominent community association law firm in Miami. In January 2009 she opened her law firm.
Her community engagement includes:
- Chair of the City of South Miami Planning and Zoning Board
- Chair of the Law Alumnae Section of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
- Member of the Engagement Advisory Council of Florida International University
- Committee Chair of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- Legislative Committee Member of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- Member of the Connect to Protect Network
- Member and past Board Member of the Dade Heritage Trust
- Member of the Coconut Grove Sailing Club
- Member in Good Standing of The Florida Bar
1. What prompted you to run for office?
“I am running for office because I have the enthusiasm, work ethic, and critical and independent thinking to lift our City in this COVID environment and to re-energize our downtown. I am the Chair of our Planning and Zoning Board and have been deeply involved already in a leadership role in our City. I also represent our residents as a native of the South Miami area, a professional and a proven community leader who believes that our City should be progressive, responsible, sustainable and inclusive.”
2. What do you think are the most important and pressing issues in the City of South Miami at this time?
“Our downtown requires immediate attention. Many residents with whom I have met have expressed disappointment in the closing of restaurants and businesses and with the lack of entertainment options nearby for their families. I believe there is much we can do, even in the very short-term, to spur excitement and bring our neighbors back to our beautiful, walkable, tree-lined downtown.
“Ensuring financial stability for our City, in the midst of this Covid environment, is of critical importance. It is my mission to expand the great services we offer to our residents. As a mom of two school-age girls, our parks have been such a wonderful, safe-haven for my family this past year. Improving and growing our parks and green spaces is of the highest priority.”
3. Why do you think you are the best person for the Commission seat?
“I am a critical and independent thinker by nature, by education (with bachelors, masters and juris doctor degrees) and by training. I am a small business owner and attorney, helping homeowners regain quiet and peaceful enjoyment in their homes. I am a proven community leader and member in several organizations spanning my interests in law and the legislative process, strong female leadership, diversity, local education, and preserving our architectural, environmental, and cultural heritage. I will bring these interests, ideas and community connections with me as Commissioner, with all the enthusiasm, work ethic, and critical and independent thinking it takes to continuously better our City.”
Visit her website at https://votemaryannruiz.com/
