Gabriela Ruiz Agila (Quito, Ecuador, 1983) is an Ecuadorian journalist, poet, and researcher of mixed Chinese and Ecuadorian heritage, specializing in migration, human rights, and environmental issues. Her heritage is reflected in her work, particularly in Madame Ho. Escrituras de viaje (2017), where she explores themes of identity and migration, drawing from her personal background. She holds degrees in Communication from the Central University of Ecuador and Public Administration from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), where she also earned a master’s in Public Policy. Ruiz Agila is recognized for her contributions to independent journalism and has received multiple awards, including the National Eugenio Espejo Journalism Award in 2017.
Early Life and Education
Gabriela Ruiz Agila was born in 1983 in Quito, Ecuador. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the Central University of Ecuador (Universidad Central del Ecuador, UCE). She later pursued further studies in Mexico, where she received a degree in Public Administration and Political Sciences from the Autonomous University of Baja California (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, UABC). Ruiz Agila also holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from the same university, having been awarded scholarships from both the Mexican government and the National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt). She later specialized in Migration, Development, and Human Rights at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, FLACSO) in Ecuador.
Personal Life
Ruiz Agila has spent significant time in both Ecuador and Mexico. In her work and writings, she deeply explores issues related to migration, human rights, and social justice, reflecting her personal and professional commitment to these causes. Throughout her career, she has balanced her life between journalism, poetry, and academic research, often integrating her personal experiences with her professional endeavors.
Literary Career
Gabriela Ruiz Agila is known for her work as a poet, journalist, and researcher. Her literary career began to gain prominence in 2007 when she won first place in the “Crónica del Cincuentenario” organized by UABC in Mexico with her work Relato de una foránea. She later received recognition for her poetry and chronicles, often focusing on migration, human rights, and environmental issues.
Her poetry book Madame Ho. Escrituras de viaje (La Caída, 2017) was well received, featuring themes of travel and displacement. Another notable work is Ataúd en llamas (2020), a co-edition between UArtes and Mecánica Giratoria, which compiles testimonies from writers in Guayaquil during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ruiz Agila has contributed to various literary and academic anthologies. Her works have been included in Señorita Satán (2017) and Heptaedro (2017), among others. She is also known for her participation in the anthology Alma adentro (2018), which brings together award-winning Ecuadorian poets, and De Sur a Sur en Verbo y Verso (2018), a collection of erotic poetry by women from Spain and Latin America.
Journalism and Research
Ruiz Agila has built a notable career in independent journalism, writing for various platforms such as Pie de Página in Mexico, Gkillcity, La Barra Espaciadora, and Mutantia. Her journalism often focuses on migration, transnational crime, environmental issues, and human rights violations. She has reported extensively on marginalized communities and indigenous populations, particularly in the Amazon region of Ecuador.
From 2014 to 2016, Ruiz Agila conducted research on transnational crime and human rights violations at FLACSO Ecuador. She has worked as an academic and advisor on various projects related to political communication, migration, and environmental justice.
Recognitions and Accolades
Gabriela Ruiz Agila has been recognized for her contributions to journalism and literature. Among her major awards are:
- First place, National Eugenio Espejo Journalism Award (Ecuador, 2017) for her report on contamination in the Peripa River.
- Second place, Ismael Pérez Pazmiño National Poetry Contest (Ecuador, 2016) for Escrituras de Viaje.
- First place, “Crónica del Cincuentenario” organized by UABC (Mexico, 2007) for Relato de una foránea.
Legacy
Gabriela Ruiz Agila’s work bridges the worlds of literature and journalism, contributing significantly to the discussion on human rights, migration, and environmental issues in Latin America. Her writing, both poetic and journalistic, reflects a deep commitment to social justice, providing a voice to marginalized and vulnerable communities. Her influence extends beyond Ecuador, as she continues to collaborate with media platforms across Latin America, raising awareness about critical social issues.
Selected Works
- Madame Ho. Escrituras de viaje (2017)
- Ataúd en llamas (2020)
- Contributions to Señorita Satán (2017), Heptaedro (2017), and De Sur a Sur en Verbo y Verso (2018)
References
- Second.wiki, “Gabriela Ruiz Agila.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
- Academia.edu, “Gabriela Ruiz Agila – FLACSO Andes.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
- Madameho.wordpress.com, “Blog – Big Page.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
- El Sol de México, “Las poetas Gabriela Ruiz y Giordana Sojo hacen una demanda social sobre la importancia de la literatura femenina.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
- Goodreads, “Madame Ho: Escrituras de viaje.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
- La Hora, “Gabriela Ruiz presenta ‘Madame Ho: Escrituras de viaje’.” Retrieved on October 17, 2024. Click to view.
This post was updated on October 17, 2024.