Celebrating Growth, Perseverance, Teamwork & the Power of Continued Learning
This month, we're excited to shine our Employee Spotlight on Adriana Ruiz, a valued member of the Penny Lane Centers team whose dedication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to personal and professional growth make her a wonderful example of what it means to be part of the Penny Lane family! Adriana began her journey with us approximately two and a half years ago at the Commerce front desk, where she developed a strong understanding of our programs, services, and the people who make our mission possible.
While her position is not a direct-service role, Adriana recognizes just how important every team member is in supporting the individuals and families we serve. Known for her willingness to learn, connect with colleagues, and embrace opportunities for growth, she understands that strong teamwork is built on communication, mutual support, and a shared commitment to helping others succeed. Her journey is also one of remarkable perseverance, from navigating higher education as a first-generation college student to graduating summa cum laude from UCLA and continuing to pursue new professional goals. This month, Adriana opens up about her experiences, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why she believes it's never too late to grow, discover your strengths, and pursue your dreams.
My name is Adriana Ruiz, and I've been with Penny Lane Centers for approximately two and a half years. I was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles and began my journey with the agency at the front desk in Commerce. That position gave me the opportunity to learn about the many programs and services Penny Lane offers while gaining a deeper understanding of the meaningful impact our organization has on the communities we serve.
Before joining Penny Lane, I was a nontraditional college student, business assistant, and freelancer. Each of these experiences helped me develop valuable skills, become more adaptable, and recognize the importance of lifelong learning. They also taught me that professional growth doesn't always follow a traditional path, and every experience can provide an opportunity to learn something new.
After earning my bachelor's degree in Gender and LGBTQ Studies, I wanted to work for an organization committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through mental health services and other resources. Penny Lane's mission aligned with my personal interests and values, making it a meaningful place where I could contribute while continuing to learn and grow professionally.
Although I'm not in a direct-service role, I really enjoy getting to know our staff, learning about the different programs we offer, and seeing how our teams work together to support the communities we serve. I especially appreciate hearing stories from employees who have been with Penny Lane for many years. Their experiences reflect the meaningful relationships, strong sense of community, and opportunities for growth that make Penny Lane such a special place to work.
My professional development journey is still evolving, and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead. I hope to pursue my master's degree in the future, and I'm grateful to work alongside colleagues whose experiences and accomplishments continue to inspire me. Seeing so many staff members develop their skills, advance in their careers, and achieve their goals reminds me of the importance of continued learning and having a supportive professional community.
Penny Lane offers benefits that can make continuing education more accessible. I'm considering taking advantage of the university partnership with UMass, which provides an employee discount, as well as the Education Reimbursement benefit, which offers up to $2,000 in annual reimbursement. These resources could be incredibly valuable as I explore future educational opportunities and work toward my long-term professional goals.
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating higher education as a first-generation, nontraditional college student while also managing undiagnosed mental health challenges. Along the way, I've had to overcome self-doubt and learn how to advocate for myself. Seeking support, utilizing available resources, and learning to believe in my abilities helped me persevere. These experiences taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and recognizing my own potential, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
Something people might be surprised to learn is that I lived with depression for 15 years before discovering treatment options. That experience shaped me in many ways and influenced how I see life today. I've learned not to take the little things for granted, and I'm grateful to be at a point in my life where I can truly appreciate where I am. Being able to feel happy simply to be here is something I deeply value. That perspective reminds me of how far I've come and how much I have to be grateful for.
Earning my bachelor's degree from UCLA and graduating summa cum laude was one of the most significant milestones of my life. As a first-generation, nontraditional college student, I accomplished something I once thought was beyond my reach. That experience taught me the power of perseverance, self-belief, and embracing my potential. It continues to remind me that we're often capable of achieving far more than we initially imagine.
The best pieces of advice I've received are "It's never too late" and "You are the most uncomfortable when you are growing."
I remind myself of these words whenever I feel uncertain about my next steps or future goals. They remind me that growth doesn't follow a specific timeline and that discomfort can sometimes be a sign that I'm learning, changing, and becoming a better version of myself. No matter where I am in life, there's always room to grow, explore new opportunities, and pursue the things that truly matter to me.
I appreciate the collaborative and supportive environment at Penny Lane. Whenever I have a question or need guidance, I know I can reach out to my colleagues for help and direction. Working with a team that is willing to share knowledge, offer support, and help one another succeed makes a meaningful difference in my professional experience. It's reassuring to know that we're surrounded by people who genuinely want to see one another grow and succeed.
I'm especially grateful for my mentor, who helped me discover and develop one of my core strengths. That experience gave me a new perspective on myself and helped me better understand the unique value I bring to the table. I'm thankful for the opportunity to continue learning about myself, recognizing my strengths, and building on them both personally and professionally.
Thank you, Adriana, for sharing your journey, your experiences, and your inspiring perspective on growth and perseverance! Your story reminds us that success doesn't have a set timeline, that challenges can lead to incredible personal growth, and that believing in ourselves can open doors we once thought were out of reach.
We also appreciate the collaborative spirit, curiosity, and dedication you bring to Penny Lane Centers. Your willingness to learn from others, support your colleagues, and continue challenging yourself reflects the teamwork and commitment that help make our organization stronger.
We're grateful to have you as part of the Penny Lane family and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you'll accomplish next. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep shining, Adriana!
