San Bernardino Valley College Student, Dyami Ruiz-Martinez, Earns National Recognition in Advocacy
His achievements also included a memorable meeting with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona
Dyami Ruiz-Martinez, a student at San Bernardino Valley College and a student trustee on the San Bernardino Community College District governing board, recently stood out at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Capitol Forum in Washington D.C.
In April, he secured third place in a national pitch competition by explaining to a panel of judges the significant benefits of federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, like San Bernardino Valley College. This federal designation is given by the U.S. Department of Education to colleges and universities where more than 25% of the students are Hispanic. His achievements also included a memorable meeting with U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what initially sparked your interest in advocacy, particularly for Hispanic-Serving Institutions like San Bernardino Valley College?
Dyami: I’m a first-generation Hispanic college student, deeply passionate about political science and business/public administration. My advocacy journey began organically, shaped by my experiences and challenges in navigating higher education. Serving as the elected Student Trustee to the SBCCD Board of Trustees and as a Regional Representative to the California Community Colleges Student Senate really kindled my advocacy spirit. I saw the urgent needs of students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. My commitment to Hispanic-Serving Institutions like San Bernardino Valley College is driven by their critical role in bridging equity gaps, despite historical underfunding. As someone who has directly benefited from these institutions, I feel a strong connection to their mission and values, and I’m dedicated to ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Q: Competing against students from across the U.S., how did it feel to place third in the national speech competition at the HACU Capitol Forum?
Dyami: It was an exhilarating experience! The competition was fierce, with many experienced participants from all educational levels, including graduate students. For me, this being my first national competition of this sort, placing third was incredibly gratifying and affirming of the advocacy work I’ve been involved in.
Q: What did you learn from the experience?
Dyami: I learned that growth often occurs outside of one’s comfort zone. By stepping into leadership and advocacy roles, I was able to embrace new challenges and expand my horizons, which fostered both personal and professional growth. I also discovered how essential genuine passion is for effective advocacy; aligning my efforts with my values made my work more resonant and impactful.
Q: What would you say to students who feel that politics and advocacy isn’t relevant to them?
Dyami: Politics and advocacy are about knowing who to ask and how to ask. They’re relevant every day, in every aspect of our lives, whether we recognize it or not. Engaging in these areas can significantly shape our environments and future.
Q: What are some key skills you’ve developed through your advocacy work that you think are essential for all students?
Dyami: Through advocacy, I’ve honed several important skills: learning how to talk and connect with different people has been significant. Also, meeting all sorts of professionals has greatly expanded my network. Working well in a team is important, too; it involves using everyone’s strengths to achieve our goals. Being adaptable is crucial — things change all the time, so you have to stay flexible and continually find new ways to solve problems. These skills are useful for any career, not just in advocacy.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from the competition or your meeting with the Secretary of Education that changed your perspective or inspired you?
Dyami: Meeting other competitors and sharing lunch after the competition was truly memorable. Additionally, speaking with Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, about the importance of investing in higher education was profoundly inspiring and reinforced my dedication to advocacy.
Q: What are your future plans, and how has your experience at the HACU Capitol Forum influenced these plans? What advice would you give to students about leveraging their college experiences for future opportunities?
Dyami: I’m excited to continue my education as a graduate student at UC Riverside’s School of Business, where I plan to further my impact in the community. The HACU Capitol Forum reinforced the importance of seizing opportunities for growth and impact. My advice to fellow students is to embrace new experiences boldly. These opportunities not only enhance your skills but also open doors to future possibilities.
