Viri DeRuiz, CPPM, BHA, LSS, Associate Director of Business Development, Abarca Health

What is your current role?

I have dedicated the past several years to shaping impactful strategies that foster client success, driving business growth and positioning our organization at the forefront of health care innovation. My role involves directing initiatives that enhance our brand’s presence, build strategic partnerships and leverage emerging technologies to elevate our offerings, including AI-driven solutions. I’m deeply committed to developing talent and creating a collaborative environment, mentoring both my immediate team and women across the health care industry. Through strategic mentorship and guidance, I empower others to take on leadership roles, fostering inclusivity and shared growth within the health care space. My work has been driven by a commitment to innovation, collaboration and the power of strategic partnerships. This dedication has not only fueled my own success but has also strengthened my organization. I am excited to continue advancing this work by leading high-level strategy initiatives that push our field forward and keeping my industry peers apprised of trends with white papers, webinars, speaking engagements and moderating thought-leadership conversations.

Why did you join the TRUST?

I joined the TRUST in April of this year, before attending the TRUST Forum, which served as a meaningful introduction to the power of this community. Being part of a women’s healthcare network like the TRUST is invaluable. It provides a unique platform for mentorship, collaboration and learning that directly impacts our professional growth and the advancement of women in leadership within the health care industry. In such a complex field, a network that champions women’s perspectives, shares insights and fosters strategic alliances is crucial to driving change. The TRUST supports its members in navigating challenges, elevating each other’s voices and paving the way for more diverse and impactful health care solutions. Through this network, we can collectively influence industry standards, ensuring that health care is shaped with inclusivity and innovation in mind.

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the TRUST?

The Forum was a pivotal experience for me, celebrating the accomplishments of remarkable women and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. The opportunity to forge meaningful connections was valuable. Additionally, I appreciate the TRUST’s commitment to promoting work-life balance and its wealth of educational resources. The virtual webinars are particularly advantageous, allowing me to expand my knowledge and stay engaged without compromising my demanding schedule.

What one word would you use to summarize what the TRUST means to you?

The word empowerment encapsulates what the TRUST means to me. It reflects the enriching learning opportunities, invaluable networking, and the support for career growth the TRUST provides to women in healthcare.

What is the best career advice you’ve received or the best mentoring experience you’ve had?

The best career advice I’ve received is to focus on building authentic relationships and trust within your network, both professionally and personally. Genuine connections foster long-term success and open doors to opportunities you may not even anticipate. I also had a transformative mentoring experience early in my career when a senior leader encouraged me to take on roles that stretched my abilities. She taught me to embrace challenges as learning opportunities, which helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. Her mentorship instilled in me the importance of resilience and the value of taking calculated risks to advance professionally.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

I support other women in their leadership journeys by mentoring and offering guidance whenever I can. During COVID in 2020, I launched the Elite Women’s Empowerment Club, a support network where women could connect and lift each other up—no strings attached. The goal was to create a space to share knowledge, provide encouragement and help each other grow, especially during such challenging times. Through this initiative, I was able to help dozens of women secure promotions and significant raises. While the club has since ended, I continue to mentor and support women in my spare time, always looking for ways to help them achieve their professional goals.

What do you love the most about the health care industry?

What I love most about the health care industry is its potential to make a profound difference in people’s lives. My mother has faced significant health care challenges, including thyroid cancer, a stroke and diabetes. Watching her navigate the complexities of the health care system has deeply influenced my desire to make health care more seamless and affordable for everyone. I am committed to improving how care is delivered, ensuring that people have access to the support and treatments they need without unnecessary barriers or high costs. It’s this drive to create positive change that fuels my passion to make a difference in the health care industry.

What is something that not many people know about you?

Not many people know that I’m an avid cook who loves creating dishes that celebrate my culture. I’m ecstatic to share that I’ll be featured in Latina’s 100, Volume 4, this December, where I wrote a story honoring my father’s legacy. Writing this story was deeply personal, it allowed me to reflect on the values he instilled in me—resilience, positivity, hard work and integrity. Cooking and storytelling have become special ways for me to celebrate and pass on these values, reminding me of my roots and the importance of uplifting others along the way.

Words of wisdom to live by?

One of my favorite guiding principles is: “Success is not only about what you accomplish in your life, but what you inspire others to do.” I believe true success lies in lifting others up and creating a legacy of shared growth and encouragement. This perspective reminds me to approach every project with a positive, people-focused attitude, and it drives me to build meaningful relationships that foster lasting impact.