Growing up between Miami, Guatemala, and the United States, Sabrina Ruiz-Monroy—UCLI’s new Associate Director—understands firsthand the transformative power of mentorship. Having experienced both the challenges of adapting to a new culture and the impact of a caring teacher who supported her progress in English, Sabrina’s journey reveals how mentorship can redefine a young person’s trajectory.
At just nine years old, she moved to the United States, struggling with an accent and adapting to a new environment. A teacher who recognized her potential not only helped her improve her English but also introduced her to the local Boys and Girls Club. That early mentorship became a cornerstone of Sabrina’s passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
This passion ultimately led her to an internship with UCLI. Reflecting on her time as an intern, Sabrina describes that it was UCLI’s unique approach that drew her in. Unlike other organizations, UCLI creates a comprehensive mentorship pipeline that spans all levels—from elementary schools to law students and attorneys. “I had experienced the power of being lifted by my community, and I wanted to make that accessible to others,” she explains.
As an intern, Sabrina eagerly took on the challenge of designing and implementing projects that embodied UCLI’s mission of equity and inclusion. Inspired by her own childhood experiences, she forged a partnership between UCLI and local schools, specifically serving economically disadvantaged students. “I was so grateful that I was part of an organization that welcomed my ideas,” she says. “I presented my ideas for the project and UCLI made it a reality!” Sabrina worked on publicity, contacted contributors, gathered materials, and organized UCLI’s first-ever school drive. This initiative not only provided resources for students in need but also deepened her understanding of inclusion.
“Inclusion means caring for the community as a whole while never losing sight of the individual,” she reflects. For Sabrina, the experience underscored the importance of ensuring every voice and perspective is valued—especially in fields like law, where understanding a client’s unique background is essential to providing accurate representation.
Now stepping into her new role as Associate Director, Sabrina is determined to further UCLI’s mission of creating a more inclusive legal sphere in Utah. She envisions inclusion as a mosaic: “For me, inclusion is the belief that differences are pieces that create a whole,” she says. “Inclusion is the promise that there is room for every story, every voice, every unique strength, and every dream. But inclusion isn’t just making room—it’s extending the invitation,” she emphasizes.
Sabrina’s journey, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to equity, is a reminder that, as she says, “inclusion is seeing others not as strangers, but as common humanity.” UCLI is thrilled to welcome Sabrina to the team and can’t wait to see the incredible impact she will make in advancing UCLI’s mission of equity and inclusion.
