Erika Ruiz was born in San Bernardino, California. She is a full time student at the University of Redlands where she is actively studying creative writing with a double emphasis in creative nonfiction and poetry. Ruiz is currently the Communications Manager with Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) and one of few creative writing program assistant at the University of Redlands. Ruiz has also worked as a prose editor for the University of Redland's annual literary magazine titled "The Redlands Review." Ruiz is a practicing poet and nonfiction writer who is also passionate about activism and justice work.