Yahayra Ruiz

Growing up as a low-income, first-generation student, Yahayra only gained glimpses of travel through magazine covers. Throughout her time at UW and through many beautiful friendships, her dream of traveling and visiting places across the world became a deeper curiosity that drives her travels. Through the Bonderman Fellowship, she will continue to seek knowledge and explore communities across Asia, Africa, and South America. Her travels are rooted in languages, identity, and culture as she explores the ways communities learn and cultivate relationships. This adventure across the world is also a testament that any child from the 509 can and should dream big.