Today Hector's time, passion and energy are directed into three important areas.

As an impassioned advocate for the better use of innovative technology to improve lives, Hector has pursued his vision of empowering people by carrying forward technology solutions to drive energy efficiency, revolutionize healthcare and other industries, improve information security and accelerate affordable access to the Internet.

When deciding to make an investment in innovative technology, Hector’s criterion comes down to two simple but powerful questions: Is the technology breakthrough? And, can it help people?

Hector invests his time and resources in a wide portfolio of technology partners that have the potential of improving people’s lives.

Hector advises and invests in these technology partners who are driving exciting breakthroughs in areas ranging from cybersecurity and power management to artificial intelligence. Hector encourages firms interested in collaborating or becoming technology partners to reach out to him.Given current events in the U.S. and around the world and the rapid acceleration of technology, Hector also believes true technology leadership is needed.

“Today, technology leadership demands a different perspective - the willingness not just to march forward but sometimes take a step back.”

Instead of technology for technology’s sake, Hector encourages leaders in technology to always ask: Is the technology designed with people in mind? What is the purpose of the technology? Will the technology solution be used for good things? If not good things, Hector advises that technology leaders must have the courage to stand up and the determination to dig their heels in when necessary to do what is right.

Hector believes that innovative technology is only as powerful as it is accessible. He says technology leaders must ensure that the advantages of technology make it into the hands of the broadest amount of people whose lives can be improved. In general, leaders also have an immense responsibility to increase technology literacy. They should inform consumers and voters by actively explaining their new technologies in ways that are easy for everyone to understand.

Hector fundamentally believes that education opens doors for people. He is an impassioned advocate for providing better access to education solutions and finding ways to utilize instructional technology to improve the lives of children and adults, particularly in economically and educationally disadvantaged areas.

"The legacy of opportunity is a dream felt around
the world. It is our shared responsibility to not only connect students to opportunities, but secure
their ability to do so."

Believing that a quality education provides opportunity and an educated electoral is critical to a strong democracy, Hector is a board member of Breakthrough Austin, an organization involved in helping particularly underrepresented people of color achieve an education.

 

To support future leaders in technology, the Hector De Jesus Ruiz Endowed Leadership Scholarship was established by the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System on February 11, 2015, to benefit The University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering. Gift funds were provided by Hector de Jesus Ruiz, Ph.D.

Hector’s commitment to education is reflected in his active service at the following academic institutions.

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Hector believes U.S. academic institutions have the tremendous challenge and responsibility to provide education solutions that adequately prepare technology leaders for an ever-evolving and complex world.

"Now leaders, more than ever, have to be prepared, able, and capable of anticipating and envisioning what the technology could do down the road."

Hector believes complex challenges demand collaborative answers. He advocates for innovative educational initiatives with technology integration - designed to nurture adaptive leaders with the courage of conviction and the willingness to work outside of traditional lanes of influence.

Hector is also a passionate advocate to solve the digital divide that separates communities from the opportunities that so many of us take for granted. This includes complete education solutions with technology integration. He believes devices are only part of the answer, where merely adding technology to old ways of thinking isn’t enough. It matters very much what technology delivers - instructional technology that is accessible to both children and adults around the world.

Banner photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Hector is dedicated to finding unique ways to encourage people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to exercise their right to vote. He considers one of the key responsibilities of a citizen is to be an active, informed voter.

 

Hector serves on the Leadership Council of Jolt, a Texas-based organization driving voter registration and voter mobilization among Texas Latinos. Activities include year-round issue organizing, educational initiatives, leadership training and student chapters across the state.

 

He also supports educational initiatives that help people increase their technology literacy so that they can become aware and better informed on important issues including the advantages of technology or disadvantages.

Example: People may be asked to vote on an initiative in a city to allow driverless cars. If the population is not informed about the pros and cons of driverless cars, then they would only vote on the basis of current publicity.

"BECOMING MORE INFORMED ON TECHNOLOGY IS PART OF OUR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY."

To increase technology literacy, Hector’s writings often focus on helping others understand emerging technology solutions in simple and engaging terms. Technology is changing so fast, and Hector believes it’s critical to have informed consumers and informed voters. He writes and speaks about topics ranging from cyber security, blockchain, artificial intelligence, the environment, nanotechnology and the Internet of Things to help people stay on top of the changes. He encourages people to be intellectually curious so they have a basic level of understanding that will equip them to hold technology manufacturers accountable.

Hector also works to help motivate people to have a desire to really know the truth about situations and current events so they can be informed voters. For example, he believes the duties of a citizen and those who consume news involves determining what is fact-based and what is not. Technology has enabled a proliferation of news coming in constantly and rapidly. Given this, Hector encourages people to always seek out a variety of opinions and perspectives and to take the responsibility to look at all different sides - with a balance of news sources. Responsibilities of a citizen begin with being accurately informed on facts.