LINC Commission welcomes new member: Theresa Garza Ruiz

Theresa Garza Ruiz brings a deep love of community as a public official, civic leader and U.S. Navy veteran as she takes on another role as the newest member of the LINC Commission.

Garza, born and raised in Missouri in the Kansas City metro area, served five years active duty in meritorious service during Desert Storm, then became the first member of her family to graduate from college. She earned bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and History, and a Master’s in Public Administration, specializing in Government Business Relations and Public Management, along with two Economic Development Certifications.

She has been honored with numerous awards for her professional and community work, including her previous elected service as a Jackson County Legislator and her current role as a Raytown City Council member.

Among many community services over the years, Garza has served as Chair of the Loose Family Foundation Board, and currently serves on boards for the Greater Kansas City Chamber Foundation, The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Raytown Chamber of Commerce, among other positions. In addition she is employed by Spire as the Regional Manager of Governmental Affairs and Community Engagement..

Garza joins LINC’s non-profit mission of delivering broad social services initiatives including workforce development, employment, and providing important services to children and families through its Caring Communities programs anchored at 53 school sites across multiple school districts plus the Morning Star Youth and Family Life Center and the Palestine Senior Citizens Activity Center.

Caring Communities initiatives include social services and supports to children and families through food distributions, utility assistance, and household access to distance learning and technology assistance in addition to after-school programs.

LINC was created in 1992 by Bert Berkley, a Kansas City businessman, along with civic and community leaders Adele Hall, Rosemary Smith Lowe, Herman Johnson and Landon Rowland.