Nancy Ruiz

Experience

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  Chicago Shakespeare Theater

  Sept 2010 - Dec 2012

  Actor

  I am a passionate actress and theater enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in performing arts. My journey includes participating in a remarkable Shakespeare program that brought high school students across Chicago together to learn and perform iconic plays at the Shakespeare Theater in Navy Pier. This immersive experience, which I embraced for three consecutive years, deepened my love for theater and sharpened my acting skills.In addition to performing, I have volunteered as a director for small production plays at my local church, where I enjoyed mentoring and guiding aspiring actors. My diverse experiences in acting and directing have equipped me with a strong foundation in storytelling, character development, and teamwork. Show less

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  Summa Cum Laude Childcare Center

  May 2013 - Apr 2016

  Lead Preschool Teacher

  I am a passionate Lead Preschool Teacher dedicated to creating a stimulating and joyful learning environment for young children. Together with my assistant preschool teacher, we led a dynamic division within Summa Cum Laude Childcare Center in the vibrant South Loop of Chicago. Our collaborative efforts centered on designing interactive lessons that ignited children's curiosity and fostered a love for learning. Our classroom catered to children aged 3 to 5 years old.Key Highlights:✅ Educational Creativity: As a team, we were responsible for curating imaginative and engaging lessons that brought learning to life. Our goal was to ensure that each child's natural curiosity was nurtured, making education an enjoyable adventure.✅ Age-Appropriate Curricula: Tailored our teaching approach to the developmental needs of children aged 3 to 5, providing them with a solid foundation for their educational journey ahead.✅ Interactive Learning: We crafted hands-on activities, interactive games, and collaborative projects that not only imparted knowledge but also developed essential social, cognitive, and motor skills. Show less

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  Menards

  May 2016 - May 2019

  Assistant Retail Sales Manager- Plumbing Department

  🛠️ Hello and welcome to my LinkedIn profile! I'm a dedicated Assistant Manager with a strong passion for plumbing expertise, team leadership, and exceptional customer service. During my tenure at Menards, I had the honor of overseeing the plumbing department, achieving the prestigious status of being the number one plumbing department across the company. I take immense pride in my role, where I not only managed a diverse team but also honed my skills in problem-solving and customer satisfaction.Key Accomplishments:✅ Top-Performing Department: Under my leadership and the collaborative efforts of my dedicated team, we achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the number one plumbing department companywide, a testament to our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.✅ Expert Problem Solver: I had the privilege of providing expert guidance to customers facing various plumbing issues in their homes. My ability to learn, explain, and solve intricate plumbing problems on a daily basis showcased my dedication to delivering valuable solutions.✅ Effective Team Management: I successfully managed a diverse team spanning ages 18 to 81, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. This experience strengthened my skills in communication, conflict resolution, and mentorship.✅ Department Pride: I took meticulous care in maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked department, ensuring products were readily available to meet customers' needs. Regular facing and restocking were integral to upholding our commitment to customer satisfaction. Show less

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  Home City Ice

  Jun 2019 - Aug 2021

  Office Manager

  As a Seasonal Office Manager, I have a knack for seamlessly managing diverse responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. In this dynamic role, I play a pivotal part in Human Resources, engaging in candidate interviews and hiring processes. Additionally, I am responsible for handling deposits, attending to incoming calls, and maintaining an organized and welcoming office environment.Key Areas of Proficiency:✅ Human Resources Support: Proficiently assist in candidate screening, interviews, and onboarding, contributing to the selection of top-tier talent that aligns with the organization's values and goals.✅ Financial Management: Skillfully manage deposits, ensuring accurate and organized financial transactions that contribute to the company's fiscal integrity.✅ Communication Excellence: Respond promptly and professionally to incoming calls, fostering positive interactions with clients, partners, and team members.✅ Office Organization: Maintain a tidy and well-organized office space that promotes productivity and creates a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and visitors. Show less

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  YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

  Sept 2019 - now

  As a Marketing Communications Coordinator, I play a key role in developing and executing communication strategies that engage our audience across multiple platforms. My responsibilities include creating compelling content for emails, websites, and social media while leveraging my bilingual skills to ensure accessibility and reach.Key Responsibilities:-Develop and write engaging content for various marketing channels, including email campaigns, website copy, and social media posts.-Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align messaging and ensure consistency across all communications.-Assist in the translation of marketing materials into Spanish, ensuring cultural relevance and accuracy.-Support the planning and execution of promotional events and initiatives.-Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in marketing communications. Show less In my new role at the Y, I'm a dedicated Program Support Specialist with a passion for facilitating engaging programs, enhancing brand visibility, and fostering valuable partnerships. With a proven track record of assisting centers in creating exceptional content for their programs and events, driving impactful marketing campaigns on social media platforms, and cultivating strong relationships with partners, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration to every project.Key Skills and Expertise:✅ Content Creation: Adept at translating ideas into compelling content. Collaboratively working with centers to develop program and event materials that resonate with target audiences, delivering both information and engagement.✅ Social Media Marketing: Proficient in leveraging various social media platforms to amplify program messages. Crafting and implementing successful marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, engagement, and participation.✅ Partner Relationship Cultivation: Skilled in building and nurturing relationships with partners, stakeholders, and collaborators. Harnessing these connections to create mutually beneficial opportunities that contribute to program success. Show less I'm an accomplished Program and Events Director known for curating exceptional events, fostering innovative youth programs, and cultivating dynamic partnerships. With a rich background in orchestrating diverse activities at the Y, from festive holiday celebrations to cutting-edge STEAM workshops, I am dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that promote learning, well-being, and community engagement.Key Expertise:✅ Event Management: Adept at conceptualizing, planning, and executing large-scale events that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering a sense of unity and joy within the community.✅ Youth Development: Proficient in designing and leading enriching youth programs such as STEAM initiatives and 3D printing workshops, nurturing young minds and encouraging curiosity-driven learning.✅ Sports Coordination: Experienced in coordinating a range of sports programs, from youth to adult basketball, soccer, and volleyball, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and healthy competition.✅ Grant Management: Skilled in identifying funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals, and managing grant-related activities to support program expansion and innovation.✅ Partner Relationship Cultivation: Proven ability to forge and maintain strategic partnerships with stakeholders, businesses, and community members to enhance program offerings and community impact.Vision and Approach:I am driven by the belief that community engagement, holistic development, and innovation go hand in hand. My approach is rooted in creating well-rounded programs and events that cater to diverse interests, fostering growth, and fostering a sense of belonging. By cultivating strategic partnerships, I aim to amplify the impact of these initiatives and create a lasting positive effect on the community. Show less As a Housing Manager, I strived to create comfortable, supportive, and thriving residential communities. With a successful track record of overseeing the operations of the Irving Park YMCA's expansive men's housing facility boasting over 200 rooms, I bring a blend of strategic leadership, policy development, and maintenance expertise to ensure a top-tier living environment for all members.Key Competencies:✅ Residential Operations: Ability to manage all aspects of housing operations, from occupancy management to maintenance coordination, to ensure the highest standards of comfort and safety.✅ Policy Development: Adept at crafting and implementing comprehensive policies and guidelines that foster a harmonious living community and address the unique needs of diverse residents.✅ Facility Maintenance: Proficient in supervising maintenance activities to guarantee the facility's optimal condition. Ensuring prompt resolutions to issues and creating a well-maintained, pleasant living environment. Show less As a Youth Enrichment Instructor, I'm committed to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for young minds to flourish. As a dedicated member of the after-school program at Sawyer Elementary School, I specialize in providing essential homework support, fostering physical fitness, and igniting creative expression for students.Core Competencies:✅ Academic Support: Proficient in guiding students through their homework assignments, offering individualized assistance, and cultivating effective study habits that contribute to academic success.✅ Physical Fitness: Skilled at organizing engaging physical activities that promote health, teamwork, and confidence while ensuring a fun and safe environment for all participants.✅ Creative Exploration: Adept at encouraging students to explore their creative potential through interactive and artistic activities, sparking their imagination and self-expression.✅ Mentoring and Role Modeling: Experienced in building positive relationships with students, offering guidance, and setting a positive example that contributes to their personal and social growth.Philosophy and Approach:I firmly believe that every child possesses unique talents and potential waiting to be nurtured. My approach involves creating a well-balanced program that supports their academic journey, physical vitality, and creative exploration. I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive, learn, and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom. Show less

  • Marketing Communications Coordinator

    Feb 2024 - now

  • Program Support Specialist

    Jun 2023 - Jan 2024

  • Program and Events Director

    Aug 2021 - Jun 2023

  • Housing Manager

    Sept 2020 - Aug 2021

  • Youth Enrichment Instructor

    Sept 2019 - Sept 2020
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  Young Catholic Professionals

  Mar 2020 - May 2020

  Young Catholic Professionals Contractor

  I am a dedicated Young Catholic Professional's Contractor who thrives on adaptability and a strong sense of purpose. In the midst of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, I embarked on a rewarding part-time job working from home. My role involved migrating supporter data from an outdated system to a new platform, a task that required basic computer skills and meticulous attention to detail. Though a short-term commitment of two weeks, this opportunity provided a lifeline during the crisis and a chance to contribute meaningfully. Show less

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  Archdiocese of Chicago

  Sept 2021 - now

  Adult Confirmation Class LeaderIn partnership with my husband, I lead a class of adults preparing candidates for the sacrament of confirmation. My role involves designing and facilitating engaging lessons that deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, as well as creating a supportive environment where candidates can explore their spirituality. I encourage meaningful discussions and reflections on faith-related topics and mentor candidates throughout their preparation journey, offering guidance and support every step of the way. Show less As Pre-Cana facilitators, my husband and I are dedicated to supporting couples on their journey toward the sacrament of marriage. We provide engaging and informative preparatory classes that help couples build a strong foundation for their future together.Key Responsibilities:-Conduct Pre-Cana classes for engaged couples, covering essential topics such as communication, conflict resolution, and the spiritual dimensions of marriage.-Create a welcoming environment for all participants, encouraging open discussion and personal reflection.-Provide resources to enhance the learning experience for this class and beyond.-Facilitate group activities and discussions to foster connection among couples and promote shared learning.-Offer guidance and support to couples as they explore their relationship and prepare for marriage.-Stay updated on church teachings and best practices related to marriage preparation. Show less

  • Facilitator

    Oct 2024 - now

  • Facilitator

    Sept 2021 - now