Fernando Ruiz
Chef Fernando Ruiz has led a remarkable life, overcoming challenges and making an impact in the culinary world and beyond. His journey from a troubled past in the gang life to becoming an acclaimed executive chef and launching a reentry program is inspiring.
Fernando’s life took a turn into the gang life at the age of 13, leading him to prison for selling guns and drugs. During his four years in Maricopa County, he discovered a passion for cooking while working as a line cook. After his release, he relocated to Northern New Mexico, where he met his wife, Michelle Romero, and started a family.
With years of experience in the culinary world, Fernando Ruiz became a three-time Food Network Champion, winning prestigious competitions including Guy’s Grocery Games, Chopped, and beating Bobby Flay. This success propelled him to a national level, establishing him as an executive chef extraordinaire. Currently, Chef Ruiz is preparing to open his first restaurant in Santa Fe, New Mexico, called Escondido.
Alongside his culinary endeavors, he launched the Entrepreneurial Institute of Northern New Mexico (EINNM) with partners Ralph Martinez and Jamai Blivin, a reentry workforce training program that uses culinary arts and hospitality to help incarcerated and previously incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. Chef Fernando Ruiz’s journey showcases resilience, talent, and a commitment to making a positive impact through food and community initiatives.
Ralph Martinez
Ralph Martinez's journey is one of resilience and redemption. After battling addiction for 11 years and experiencing homelessness for 6 years, Ralph turned his life around through perseverance and determination. He navigated through multiple rehabs and jails, finally achieving sobriety in 2012.
Driven by his own experiences, Ralph co-founded the first-ever homeless shelter and recovery living facility in his community. Through his efforts, over $4 million has been raised to support various services and programs benefiting vulnerable populations, youth, seniors, and education.
Ralph's commitment to rebuilding lives didn't stop there. He successfully obtained expungement from the New Mexico district courts and received a pardon from the New Mexico governor for the five felonies he acquired during his addiction years.
Currently, Ralph is actively involved in the Entrepreneurial Institute of Northern New Mexico, a re-entry program he helped establish. Collaborating with renowned figures like 3-time Food Network champion Fernando Ruiz and Jamai Blivin, Ralph works tirelessly to aid incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and at-risk individuals in reintegrating into society. Ralph Martinez's story is a testament to the power of redemption, second chances, and the transformative impact of rebuilding one's life.