Ruth Yáñez graduated from New Mexico State University and she currently holds a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in Generalist Studies. She currently works at the National Latino Behavioral Health Association and the National Hispanic and Latino Addiction Technology Transfer Center where she serves as a Program Specialist. She is a bilingual, bicultural professional, providing services in both Spanish and English. Her native tongue is Spanish, and this has enabled her to communicate with her Latino community in extensive ways. Ruth has had extensive experience in working with the immigrant Latino community. Before working in her current position, she worked in a medical setting, where she offered interpreting services as well as case management services. Ruth also worked in forensics doing transitions planning and connecting returning citizens to community resources. As a former immigrant herself, Ruth continues to advocate for her Latino Immigrant community to have equitable access to healthcare and behavioral health services.