Junko Ruiz

@junkoruiz

Junko is an educator in Pomona, California, and a graduate of UC Riverside and Claremont Graduate University. California is home, but she has traveled extensively because her father was an air traffic controller in the Air Force, which instilled in her a fascination for travel and observing different cultures around the world. Currently, Junko is an adjunct instructor at the University of La Verne. She is married to her handsome husband Robert Elias and they have one dog, an 8 year-old pug named Nancy.

Updated August 2024

Stories from This Author

Nikkei Chronicles #13—Nikkei Names 2: Grace, Graça, Graciela, Megumi?

The Perks and Pitfalls of a One-of-a-Kind Name

Aug. 26, 2024 • Junko Ruiz

My name is Junko Ruby Ruiz. At birth, I was named Junko Ruby Ihrke. “Junko” reflects my mother’s Japanese heritage and my parents’ desire for a “J” name (my sister’s name is Judith, or Judy as I call her). “Ruby” comes from my paternal Norwegian grandmother. Although I only met her twice, those visits left a lasting impression on me. She was well-known in our family and community. People often had something to say when her name was mentioned. She …