Poet Ricardo Ruiz will be teaching a workshop entitled Finding your Voice, how the practice of mindfulness and poetry can help a person discover their voice.

The purpose of the workshop is to introduce poetry and its ability to connect one's inner and outer self. What we hope to achieve is to begin the process by sitting in a quiet space for a brief amount of time and to have one poem written and revised at the end of the session. 

Bio: 

Ricardo Ruiz is a multi-dimensional writer of poetry and prose, father, and combat veteran.

The son of potato factory workers, Ricardo hails from Othello, Washington and his works often draw from his experience as a first-generation Mexican-American. He is passionate about elevating the marginalized voices from rural communities and takes pride in being a conduit for cultural connection. His own struggles straddling cultures provide insight to the difficulties of the Mexican migrant worker and their families.

Ricardo holds a Associates Degree in Business and Accounting from Big Bend Community College where he was recognized as Student of the year in both Business and Economics and English Composition. He also holds a Bachelors of Art in English: Creative Writing from the University of Washington and is an Army Veteran. While in the military Ricardo was recognized as Distinguished Honor Graduate and Distinguished Leader during his Advanced Leadership Course.