Annabella Ruiz (BPAff ’29) is a member of the first undergraduate class at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, marking a significant milestone for both the school and the university. Her path to this moment has been shaped by a strong sense of purpose, cultivated through years of community involvement and a growing passion for public service.
“Being part of the inaugural undergraduate class at the LBJ School is an honor because it means I get to help shape the foundation of something new, something historic,” Ruiz said. “It’s more than just being ‘first’; it’s about setting a tone for what this community will stand for, how we’ll lead, and what impact we want to create.”
Originally from McAllen, Texas, Ruiz spent her childhood between San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. In 2020, her family returned to the Valley to support relatives during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience revealed the urgent needs in her community and deepened her commitment to public service.
At just 13 years old, Ruiz launched A Little Ray of Sunshine, a small business offering affordable, all-natural soaps to address local resource gaps and bring a sense of comfort to others. Soon after, she founded the first South Texas chapter of the National Charity League, mobilizing mother-daughter teams to serve more than a dozen local nonprofits. These early efforts sparked a lifelong drive to create meaningful change.
When it came time to choose a college, the LBJ School stood out for its hands-on, policy-driven approach to problem solving. Ruiz saw it as the ideal place to explore how to address issues like immigration and water scarcity in the Valley, challenges she’s seen firsthand. She’s equally excited by the opportunity to join a community of change-makers who share her passion for service and real-world impact.
“I’m most excited to be part of a community where bold ideas and real change go hand in hand,” she said. “At UT Austin and especially within the LBJ School, I’ll be surrounded by people who care deeply about the world around them, just like I do. Whether it’s joining policy-focused organizations, connecting with mentors or pursuing fellowships and internships, I look forward to growing as both a leader and a learner. More than anything, I’m excited to take everything UT has to offer and use it to give back to communities like the one that raised me.”
Ruiz hopes her time at the LBJ School will equip her with knowledge, the tools and confidence to make a real impact. Looking ahead, she’s keeping her options open. Whether that means pursuing a law degree, continuing on to earn her master’s at LBJ or even running for office.
“I’m keeping the door open to wherever this journey takes me,” she said, “but my goal is always to serve and uplift communities like mine.”
As she begins her undergraduate journey, Ruiz plans to stay rooted in service, seek out transformative experiences through internships and fellowships and embrace all the opportunities the Forty Acres has to offer. Through it all, her mission remains clear: to honor and advocate for the community that shaped her.
Learn more about our Bachelor of Public Affairs. Applications close December 1.