Since 2010, the Cleveland International Hall of Fame (CIHF) has inducted people who have made significant and lasting contributions to our multicultural society. Cleveland is home to people representing about 120 different ethnic groups. The CIHF exists not only to honor those special people but also to inspire a new generation of leaders to follow in their footsteps.

Over 150 worthy candidates were nominated for the 2020 Class of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. The selection committee was advised by previously inducted members of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame.

Victor A. Ruiz

Covid-19 forced the always sold out induction ceremonies to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021. Once we were able to gather together again, we included the 2020 class in the induction ceremony for the 2022 class on June 7, 2022. The event at Windows on the River was a sell out.

On the evening of June 7, 2022 Victor Ruiz was inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by Dr. Alex Johnson the president of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C).

You can see Victor Ruiz's bio here but here are a few highlights.

Victor A. Ruiz was born in Puerto Rico and came to Cleveland, Ohio at the age of five with his mother and brother. He is a courageous leader and advocate with a body of work that spans over twenty years. As Executive Director of Esperanza, Inc., Victor leads an organization that advocates for the educational needs of Cleveland’s Latinx community. As a result of their efforts, Cleveland’s Latinx high school graduation rate has grown from 30% in 2010, to over 84% in 2021. Under his leadership, the organization has raised millions of dollars for college scholarships and support services. In 2015, the organization was named a Brightspot in Education by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

Victor also serves in several leadership roles, including past chair of the Cuyahoga Community College, one of the country’s largest community colleges.

Watch the video of Victor Ruiz being inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame by Alex Johnson.

Enjoy these images from the Cleveland International Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Dr. Alex Johnson inducting Victor Ruiz

Dr. Alex Johnson presents CIHF award to Victor Ruiz

Victor Ruiz acceptance speech

Victor Ruiz with family and friends

Victor Ruiz receiving proclamations from Dan Hanson