Our Leader Spotlight | Orel Ruiz
Manager of Global Education & Training within Niagara College’s International Division
This series is dedicated to introducing and celebrating the ACL+ 2021/22 program participants. Each week, we will focus on one of our leaders, sharing a little bit about them and what motivates them to explore community leadership in Niagara.
Orel Ruiz is an aspiring global business leader that cares deeply about making a positive social impact on the communities and people around him. His scholastic achievements earned him a lifetime induction into Beta Gamma Sigma honour society. As a lifelong learner, Orel is nearing completion of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Niagara University (NU). Orel also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Management (NU), and a Business Administration – International advanced diploma from Niagara College. Outside of his academic studies, his entrepreneurial drive landed him a spot at Ontario’s first social impact and leadership academy at the MaRS Discovery District to pursue an immersive fellowship focused on innovation in areas such as education, government, as well as systems change. He was also selected as one of only three Canadian delegates to the 2014 Uniterra International Entrepreneurship Seminar in Peru.
Orel is currently the Manager of Global Education & Training within Niagara College’s International Division. His focus is to seek and develop partnerships globally to support the College’s global engagement strategic priorities. Orel is an avid traveler and has visited more than 40 countries.
Why are you personally motivated to explore civic leadership?
My motivation to explore civic leadership comes from my laser-focused goal and commitment to continuously give
back and take an active role towards the overall wellbeing of the communities that I belong to. To achieve this, I am
continuously seeking ways to further my knowledge, expand my skills and broaden my network and understanding
of good social citizenship.
What, in your view, is the most significant issue/opportunity facing our community? Why?
This pandemic has accentuated the many challenges faced by BIPOC members of our community. A study by the
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada confirms that the pandemic has also created new
inequalities and that already disadvantaged communities will suffer more severely. As such, our community must
take immediate action on ways to better integrate and provide access to resources and opportunities for BIPOC
members to truly unleash, among other things, economic and social development.
What individual attributes do you hope to develop or expand upon?
Through this program, I am aiming at expanding upon my collaboration, consensus building, and public
engagement skills. As a civic leader in the 21st century, I believe it is ever important to be able and comfortable working with a diversity of people and viewpoints to achieve real, inclusive, and respectful solutions that respond to our complex and often uncertain community challenges.
What Is ACL+?
Accelerate Civic Leadership+ is our answer to adapting our flagship Accelerate Civic Leadership (ACL) program for virtual learning.
Designed as a tool to expand the number of individuals who accept leadership roles in business, government, and social organizations to meet future challenges in the region, ACL+ strengthens the bonds within the region. It serves as a retention and engagement tool for our Niagara businesses and non-profits.