'Moving Pueblo forward': Mental health professional among Pueblo City Council hopefuls
The licensed mental health professional and Center for Health Progress board member is one of several candidates vying for two open Pueblo City Council at-large seats this November. Ruiz Gomez sees issues like local crime, homelessness, economic development and other challenges Pueblo faces as interconnected.
If elected, she plans to address those challenges by collaborating with experts, connecting individuals with community resources, and listening — a practice that is essential to her work in the mental health field.
"What is the root of these problems connected to crime and connected to homelessness?" Ruiz Gomez said. "How does that impact the big picture of economic development and opportunities that Pueblo can receive or not receive because of all these things? What can we do to make the perception of Pueblo turn back to being proud about Pueblo again?"
While Ruiz Gomez said it may be "disheartening" when negative perceptions about Pueblo get more attention, she believes the city is making steps toward "thriving."
"I think Pueblo can do better, Pueblo deserves better and I feel like I am someone who can be a piece of making that happen," she said.
Ruiz Gomez was born in Denver and spent her childhood in El Paso, Texas. Her mother is a Pueblo native with ties to the Grove neighborhood. Her father immigrated to the United States with his family in 1956. Ruiz Gomez graduated from South High School and earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Colorado State University Pueblo. She also studied Chicano studies, women's studies and political science.
She began working as a family advocate for Head Start in 2005, where she spent about a decade. With a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Adams State University, Ruiz Gomez now provides individual psychotherapy services to people in crisis.
In addition to her work as a family advocate and mental health professional, Ruiz Gomez has experience interning for former Rep. Dorothy Butcher of Colorado House District 46. She has received multiple awards, including a Valued Team Member Star Award, for her professional work. Ruiz Gomez is also a precinct organizer and executive committee member for the Pueblo County Democrats.
"I really care about people," she said. "I care about moving Pueblo forward. I feel like I have the expertise, the knowledge, the skill set, the heart and the relationships to support bringing Pueblo forward."
Pueblo City Council elections: Newest Pueblo City Council at-large candidate emphasizes need for community resources
Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Who is Pueblo City Council candidate Selena Ruiz Gomez?
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