Lillian Ruiz is the founder of Ci-X Strategies, where she works with funders, outlets, and support organizations in the media and social entrepreneurship space. Prior to Ci-X Strategies, she was co-founder of the National Trust for Local News, Civil Media and Civil Foundation, supporting investments in local and investigative news and product infrastructure.


A graduate of Wesleyan University, Ruiz began her career in Audience Development and Editorial Product. She serves on the board of the Tiny News Collective, and mentors BIPOC female founders on pre-seed, seed and Series A raises for Level: Investing in Racial Equity.