www.negociosnow.com
February 2018 31
Age:35
Title: Branch and Community
Development Manager
Name of Organization: Self-Help
Federal Credit Union
Bio: Roman Ruiz is no stran-
ger to the struggles that many of
his customers face — he immi-
grated to the United States from
Mexico at 9 and was raised by a
single mother.
Ruiz is a Branch and Commu-
nity Development Manager for
Second Federal, a division of Self-
Help Federal Credit Union. With
more than 16 years of experience
in retail banking and mortgage
lending experience, he is at the
helm of the flagship branch with
an excess of $87 million in depo-
sits and over 6,500 members. The
branch is in the heart of Chicago's
Little Village community, which
is composed mainly of Mexican
immigrants. The resilient com-
munity boasts the second-hig-
hest tax revenue in the city.
In 2013, Second Federal be-
came part of one of the largest
Community Development Fi-
nancial Institutions in the cou-
ntry, Self-Help Federal Credit
Union. With that change came
a commitment to delivering
safe and affordable savings and
a full suite of loans to borrowers
who could not access services
elsewhere. The organization has
lent more than $165 million to
underserved communities in
the Chicago area.
Ruiz holds a bachelor's degree
from Northeastern Illinois Univer-
sity and was named a 2017 Lea-
dership Fellow by the Opportunity
Finance Network. His civic engage-
ment includes being on the board
of directors for the Little Village
Chamber of Commerce and San
Jose Obrero Mission, which pro-
vides housing and employment
services to members of the Latino
community who are in crisis.
Roman Ruiz
Bringing critical banking
services to the community
"B
e the voice for those
who have been silenced.
Challenge ignorance with humility
and grace. Acknowledge those
whose shoulders you stand on.
Repeat as needed."
Roman Ruiz
