Jenni Ruiz-Medina Portfolio

Hi, I'm Jenni Ruiz-Medina!

Born the daughter of two Mexican immigrants, I grew up knowing education was the key to honoring my parents’ sacrifices. Like a lot of kids, my dream job changed constantly — teacher, doctor, astronaut, lawyer — but the part of me that was drawn to creativity never went anywhere.

While I attended the Center for Advanced Learning studying medicine, I served as ASB publicity manager. I painted banners, ran social media accounts and helped shape the creative direction for dances, assemblies and fundraisers. I didn’t realize it then, but I was already practicing visual storytelling and brand voice.

When I entered college, I told myself I needed to be practical. I studied business, picked up a minor in legal studies and planned for law school to become a civil rights or immigration attorney. It sounded meaningful and responsible, but I kept gravitating toward branding, messaging and the emotional side of communication. I couldn’t turn off the creative part of my brain.

By sophomore year, I finally listened. I switched my major to advertising.

I didn’t let go of the strategic side I’d developed. Instead, I turned business into two minors: sports business and sustainable business. I’d played sports my whole life, and in middle school, I fell in love with snowboarding. But I noticed how isolating snowsports can be for BIPOC riders who rarely see people who look like them on the mountain or in the media. The cost barrier only made that gap wider. That’s where my purpose clicked: I want to help break those barriers and make these spaces feel more accessible and familiar.

My sustainable business studies deepened that commitment. Environmental science and discussions of corporate responsibility helped me understand how business decisions — especially advertising — shape communities and the planet. I became familiar with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and what it means to create with accountability.

Through internships, ambassador roles and my time as a copywriter for Allen Hall Advertising, I finally allowed myself to step into my voice. I’ve always been a talker, but now I use that voice to connect, clarify and advocate. I understand the power of a story well told — and I tell them on purpose.

My path wasn’t linear, but every turn mattered. And now I’m right where I was always meant to be: using storytelling to help people feel seen.

If you’re passionate about using storytelling to make a difference, let’s connect!

Fun facts & favorite things:)

Favorite thing #1: Music

Fun fact: my Favorites playlist is 194 hours and 17 minutes long. TRUST that I have a favorite song in every genre!

First time on a plane, 18, you came
You found a door and held it open

No way to know how to make a home
In someone else's motherland

You transplanted a family tree
And a part of it grew into me

You're stronger than I'll ever be

I cried the first time I heard this. Olivia Dean writes about her grandmother’s courage in building a life in a new country — a strength I recognize in my own parents. This song isn’t just music to me; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices, resilience and love that shape who I am.

Cruzaré los montes, los ríos, los valles por irte a encontrar
Salvaría tormentas, ciclones, dragones, sin exagerar
Por poder mirarme en tus ojos bonitos, y vivir la gloria de estar a tu lado
Porque en mí ya siento que te necesito, que me he enamorado
Por poder mirarme en tus ojos bonitos, y vivir la gloria de estar a tu lado
Porque en mí ya siento que te necesito, eso y más haré

Much of my music taste was shaped by my mom, and I remember hearing this song with her for the first time. I might be biased, but some love can only be expressed in Spanish. This is my favorite love song of all time — it captures longing, devotion and emotion in a way that feels impossible to translate.

Makе me your matter
Make me your matter
Make me your matter
Show me your substance
Make me your person
Make me your person

Give me one break, I need faith
Faith to believe you
Faith to receive you
Give me something, I'm lacking
I don't need nothing
You are my everything

Faith and my relationship with God have always guided me. In “Me & U,” Tems speaks to being willing to accept divine guidance. It resonates with me deeply — reminding me that my strength comes from something greater, and inspiring me to bring positivity and purpose to every space I enter.

This might not be an easy time
There's rivers to cross and hills to climb
Some days we might fall apart
And some nights might feel cold and dark

But nobody wins, afraid of losing
And the hard roads are the ones worth choosing
Someday we'll look back and smile
And know it was worth every mile

I’m no stranger to starting over. I moved away to college without knowing anyone, and then to Spain alone, unfamiliar with both Barcelona and Blanquerna University. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that I can do anything. I bet on myself, I adapt and I know how to start over anywhere.

Favorite thing #2: Reading

Fun fact: when I was younger, my nana and I used to write books together — mostly about my stuffed animals and their over-the-top adventures. It was my first real taste of storytelling, and where my love for the craft began.

These days, that early love for storytelling shows up in the books I’m drawn to — ones with characters who feel real: flawed, growing and deeply human. These books follow that theme.

Fair warning: you might want to keep a box of tissues nearby.

Marx is, in my opinion, the best-written character of all time. Read the book to see why — and reach out to me when it hits you the same way it hit me.

Don’t be discouraged by the first page — Dolly Alderton's advice only improves from there.

Favorite thing #3&4: Travel & Photography

Fun fact: I lived in Barcelona for a year — and during that time, I traveled to 16 cities across 6 different countries. Naturally, my digicam came with me.

That’s a bit of my world — thanks for taking the time to explore it. If you want to chat, collaborate or swap song or book recs, my inbox is always open:)