“If it wasn’t for Monroe and the opportunities I had gotten there, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”
Born and raised in a Hispanic household in Arizona, Vanessa Ruiz traveled far from home to pursue an education in the culinary arts at Monroe University. Coming from a family where college wasn’t always considered the first option, Ruiz knew she would need support as she pursued her education.
She found that support at Monroe. Ruiz specifically mentioned Dean Costantino, who helped make the move more comfortable and reassured her that she would have people supporting her when she arrived in New York.
Although she was in an unfamiliar place, Ruiz thrived during her time at Monroe. Participating in culinary competitions further fueled her passion for cooking and pastry arts and helped her build on the love she already had for food.
“I knew I needed to be at a place where I could cultivate my own type of family and share my passion with other people,” Ruiz said. “At Monroe, everyone is very passionate and serious about what they do.”
Moving to New York and adjusting to a new environment also helped Ruiz grow personally and professionally. Coming from a small town, she said experiencing the diversity of Monroe and New York was life-changing.
In 2024, one year before graduating from Monroe, Ruiz gained valuable real-world experience through an internship at The Everglades, a country club in Palm Beach, Florida. During her internship, she completed her remaining classes online and graduated with the Class of 2025.
The opportunities Ruiz found through Monroe allowed her to travel, gain professional experience, and further develop her passion for pastry arts. Shortly after graduating, she was offered a full-time position at The Everglades.
“If it wasn’t for Monroe and the opportunities I had gotten there, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz has found her work in the pastry department both unique and fulfilling. The connections she made at Monroe have also continued into her professional life. She now works alongside friends and colleagues from her time at the University, bringing a part of her Monroe experience with her into the next chapter of her career.
