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Anel Ruiz

Managing Director, People Impact and Chief Diversity Officer
United Airlines

Anel Ruiz is the Managing Director, People Impact and Chief Diversity Officer at United Airlines.
Most recently, Anel was the Director of Engagement Communications, overseeing the United Daily
and HR Communications teams. Immediately prior to that role, she was the Director of Hub
Communications leading a team of communications professionals across our hubs. Anel is also
proudly one of the founding members of United’s newest BRG, Somos.
Prior to joining United Airlines she was a Senior Vice President at the boutique public relations firm
Culloton + Bauer Luce (CBL), where she proactively increased their minority business book of
business. She is a versatile communications strategist with extensive experience at the highest
levels of city and county government as well as in nonprofit management.
Prior to joining CBL, Anel served as Press Secretary for Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, leading
communications strategy as the city faced crisis after crisis—including the longest teachers’ strike in
decades, the COVID-19 pandemic, and protests and civil unrest. During her time in the mayor's
office, Anel carved out time for the Mayor to exclusively meet with community and ethnic media
outlets on a regular basis, thus increasing access to Chicago's many diverse communities.
Anel previously served as deputy chief of staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle,
overseeing policy development and managing the County’s Bureau of Economic Development,
Justice Advisory Council, Commission on Human Rights & Ethics, as well as the Commission on
Women's Issues. She also has served as the public affairs director for the Chicago Department of
Public Health where she led teams that consistently produced innovative and award-winning
marketing and digital campaigns that focused on language access and minority communities.
Anel lives in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood with her husband and two sons who she
affectionately calls Tiny Giant and Tiny Danger. Ruiz is a foodie, avid reader, an unapologetic news
and politics junkie and a pretend runner.

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