Getting to Know You: Amber Brown Ruiz
#FacultyFriday w/ Amber Brown Ruiz — Dec. 03, 2021
Faculty role: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Special Education
Location: WSU Pullman
Why did you choose to do what you do?
My career found me. I was curious about many different careers. I just enjoyed working with people and exploring careers. Vocational rehabilitation allowed me to meet to people and understand more about careers and I applied that to supporting students with disabilities.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU, as well as the College of Education?
The people I work with have been my favorite thing about WSU. My co-workers and the students are amazing!
What responsibility comes with working for a land-grant university? Why is being a land-grant special?
I think my responsibility is to acknowledge the land and the people of this land, the Pulus people and the ceded lands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe
If you could improve one thing about WSU, what would it be?
Investments in the Pullman community for people of color. For example, supporting trade-related or small businesses that people of color may frequent like hair salons or restaurants.
What makes you an Agent of Change?
I am curious and aware of issues that I want to see change, so I work toward making those changes little by little. As an academic it is our jobs to under cover gaps and generate ways to make changes.
December has both a national and international focus on disabilities and accessibility (see below). Why is this so important to you?
Disability and accessibility are important to me because having a world that is more understanding of disability related issues means that health-care, education, technology, society and more would be in a better position to work with all types of people. The core idea of universal design is to accommodate everyone and having flexible designs can make life better. It means that world-around us can be more user friendly. It also challenges us as a society to be innovative.
Favorites:
Food: Seafood
Restaurant in Pullman: South Fork
Favorite Coug Sport: Football
Hobby: Creating art
Vacation spot (you’ve been to): Bahamas