Senator Teresa Ruiz represents the 29th Legislative district of New Jersey encompassing parts of Newark in Essex County and the city of Hillside in Union County. She is currently serving her first term as Senator and is the first Latina to serve in the State Senate. Senator Ruiz attended Drew University where she received a B.A. in English. She has been active in Essex County politics and government, serving as Vice Chair of the Essex County Democratic Party, and as Deputy Chief of Staff for Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo. Senator Ruiz is a founding member of the Robert Treat Academy and has served for over 5 years as a school Trustee. She also is a former member of the Arts Council at the Newark Museum and the NJPAC Arts Education Committee. Senator Ruiz serves as Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and as a member of the Senate Economic Growth Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.