Official Blog | UCGPC

Rebecca Angela Ruiz External VP, AGS, UC Irvine

Criminology, Law & Society | Advocate | Scholar | Community Leader

Meet Rebecca Angela Ruiz (They/She/Elle), a third-year Ph.D. student in the Criminology, Law & Society program at UC Irvine, and a passionate advocate for justice, equity, and structural change. As a member of the 2025 UCGPC Board, Rebecca brings a sharp critical lens and deep research experience to graduate student advocacy across the University of California.

Research Rooted in Justice

Rebecca’s academic work focuses on some of the most urgent and complex issues of our time, including state and interpersonal violence, immigration, public policy, labor trafficking, and critical criminology. Through an intersectional and community-centered approach, their research interrogates the structures that uphold violence and exploitation—particularly as they relate to vulnerable and marginalized populations.

Their scholarship not only advances academic conversations, but also aims to inform real-world policy and social justice initiatives.

A Voice for Graduate Students and Systemic Change

In addition to their research, Rebecca plays a key leadership role within the UC Irvine graduate student community, serving as Vice President of External Affairs for the Associated Graduate Students (AGS). They represent UCI students within the broader UC system, helping to shape policies that impact graduate and professional students statewide.

Rebecca’s advocacy is driven by a strong belief in collective action, intersectional organizing, and the power of graduate students to push institutions toward equity and accountability.

“Graduate students don’t just belong in the academy—we are transforming it. I’m committed to building spaces that honor the lived experiences of students and advocate for justice at every level.”
– Rebecca Angela Ruiz

As part of the UCGPC Board, Rebecca continues to champion policies that uplift immigrant students, combat structural violence, and expand support systems for all members of the UC graduate and professional student community.

Connect with Rebecca at vpexternal@ags.uci.edu and follow their advocacy as they bridge critical research with bold, student-centered leadership.