I was born in 1957 in Venezuela, into a humble family of eight—my parents and six siblings. Despite my family limited income, my home was rich in strong educational values. The principles instilled in me—humility, honesty, and integrity—have shaped both my personality and my professional life.

Against many challenges in my life, I pursued my education and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1982. Later, selected by the Venezuelan national oil company for the first program cohort, I completed a Master degree in Corrosion and Materials Engineering in 1990.

In 2003, escaping from political unrest in my home country, I immigrated to the United States, where I became a U.S. citizen through naturalization in 2012.

Today, I am a proud American citizen, a devoted son to my 97-year-old mother, a grateful husband of 38 years, the father of two accomplished sons, and a grandfather to two wonderful grandchildren. Above all, I am a lifelong partner to my beautiful wife, who continues to be my greatest support.

Juan Carlos Ruiz-Rico