Theresa Garza Ruiz
	tgarza@jacksongov.org
	Address  Theresa Garza Ruiz Jackson County Legislator 415 E. 12th St., 2nd Floor  Kansas City, MO 64106  Phone (816) 881-3132 Fax (816) 881-3340 Legislative Aide Jaime Guillen
	Join Email List For Email Marketing you can trust

2013 Legislative Vice Chair

Theresa Garza Ruiz was first elected in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010. Theresa is the Chair for the Health and Environment committee and is assigned to the Justice and Law Enforcement and the Land Use committees. 

Theresa was born and raised in the Kansas City area. After graduating from Raytown South High School, she enlisted in the United States Navy. During her five years on active duty, Theresa received a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and several Letters of Recognition. She was also very active in the communities where she was stationed and volunteered for organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Teach for America. Upon completion of her enlistment, she was awarded an Honorable Discharge.

Theresa grew up in a single-parent household, with a strong female figure who demonstrated resilience and independence. Her grandparents had a very active role in her upbringing, and through her Grandpa Dan, she gained a strong pro-labor stance. Theresa can recall her grandpa, a longtime and retired IBEW member, always emphasizing the importance of his Union job when she complained about this or that. She is the first member in her family to graduate from college. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Theresa is currently working on her Masters Degree in Public Administration through Park University with an emphasis on Government Business Relations and Public Management.

Her dedication to improving Jackson County has been illustrated over the years through her participation in a variety of community, civic and political organizations -- to numerous to list. Prior to taking office, Theresa held a board seat for Restart, Inc., an interfaith ministry that provides services to the homeless population in the Kansas City metro area. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Center in Blue Springs, which provides services and programs to children and adults with disabilities. Theresa is also a member of the Sue Shear Institutes Advisory Board. The Sue Shear Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit entity that helps women to develop the interest and skills necessary to succeed as full participants within government by becoming elected, appointed and/or employed policy makers.

Theresa resides in Blue Springs, Missouri with her husband, Genaro; her daughter, Miraha; and two spoiled dogs, Russell and Roger.

Committee Chair