Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Personal Information
Organization
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Josue Ruiz

Summary

I'm a web designer with a passion for creating digital experiences that are both visually compelling and highly functional. At Cal Poly Pomona's Office of Academic Innovation, I manage website design, development, and content updates to support various initiatives, always ensuring accessibility and a seamless user experience. I have a background in Computer Information Systems and am currently expanding my skills with certifications in Java programming and AI in business. I thrive in environments where I can combine creativity with problem-solving to build websites that not only look great but also serve a purpose. I'm always eager to learn, adapt, and push the boundaries of what's possible on the web.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Web Designer

Freelance
09.2023 - Current
  • Developed a variety of websites depending on client needs and audience including portfolio sites, business, and regional organization websites
  • Created sitemaps and mood boards
  • Designed wireframes into mock-ups
  • Responsive mobile-first design
  • Web content and design audit

Web Designer

ACE Women's Network - Southern California
10.2022 - Current
  • Worked on the website redesign for the Southern California ACE Women's Network
  • Designed wireframes based on organizational needs and user stories
  • Designed graphics such as banners, logos, and icons
  • Applied accessibility standards
  • Provided website pagespeed insights and modified assets after assessments
  • Providing updates and regular website maintenance
  • Assist with website migration to a new domain

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
05.2022 - Current
  • Maintain and lead structural updates for OAI’s multi-unit website presence using Cascade CMS, aligning to university branding and accessibility standards (WCAG).
  • Spearhead website content development for initiatives including Digital Badging, Micro-Internships, PolyX, SPICE, Generative AI Course Grant, Academic Innovation Conferences and Institutes, NSF Regional HSI Conference, CollegeCorps, Student Innovation Idea Labs, and the Community Innovation Hub.
  • Design and implement UX enhancements and components (forms, buttons, banners), with custom HTML/CSS and responsive design principles.
  • Used PageSpeed Insights and web performance tools to optimize site load time, reduce image and script bloat, and improve mobile responsiveness. Applied PDF accessibility standards including tagging, alt text, and logical reading order to ensure ADA compliance across document uploads.
  • Performed accessibility audits using WAVE and Accessible Color Picker; addressed contrast issues, fixed heading structure, and ensured compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards across OAI web pages and uploaded documents.
  • Collaborated with IT to design and develop data repositories for the SPICE initiative; structured content using JSON files to support searchability, scalability, and future integrations.
  • Maintain and update the PolyXHub repository, ensuring accurate metadata, content organization, and consistent JSON formatting for institutional use.
  • Trained team members on updating initiative repositories (e.g., PolyXHub, SPICE) using JSON files, ensuring accuracy, proper formatting, and integration with institutional systems.
  • Collaborate with communications, IT, and strategic initiative leads to align web and badging platforms with broader institutional goals.
  • Created scalable credentialing templates in Canvas Credentials; trained staff and faculty on integration and use.
  • Collaborated with the Career Center to migrate website content from Cascade CMS to the uConnect platform; received training on the new system and supported page development and layout design.
  • Lead departmental website migration strategy and Phase I and Phase II launch for 2025 Website Refresh Initiative.
  • Conducted user behavior analysis using Looker Studio, Google Analytics, and heatmaps; applied insights to redesign content hierarchy, improve navigation, and optimize interactive elements. These enhancements contributed to a 113% increase in site views and a 77% increase in engagement events from Jan–Jun 2024 to Jan–Jun 2025.
  • Managed web developer interns across the Office of Academic Innovation and partner offices during the Cascade CMS migration, aligning team output with IT and Strategic Communications deadlines for Phase I and II of the Website Refresh Initiative.
  • Provided training and technical support to departmental web publishers on both legacy and new Cascade CMS templates, focusing on content structure, accessibility, and brand alignment.
  • Used Agile methodology (Scrum framework with 2-week sprints) and tracked project progress through Notion and Trello, ensuring cross-unit alignment and iterative improvements based on stakeholder feedback.
  • Designed and developed Canvas courses to support institutional and CSU systemwide conferences and institutes, including event resource hubs, interactive modules, and session recordings.
  • Collaborated with CSU LMS administrators and instructional leads to ensure accessibility and cross-campus compatibility.
  • Led a systemwide faculty and staff training session at the Summer 2025 OAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, attended by participants from across the CSU and beyond.
  • Delivered a hands-on workshop on using CustomGPTs for institutional website redesign and instructional innovation; trained attendees in prompt engineering techniques drawn from OpenAI educator modules.
  • Co-led a departmental project with the Communications Specialist to design and launch a micro-internship program focused on campus and community storytelling through visual design.
  • Guided students in the design and production of vinyl graphics for the Office of Academic Innovation and Community Innovation Hub in Downtown Pomona, including hands-on installation and mentorship in creative process, logistics, and campus branding.
  • Contributed to an NSF REU grant proposal in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research, aimed at expanding undergraduate research opportunities in applied AI and ethics.
  • Served as a topic contributor on AI, meeting with Computer Science faculty to gather insights on current research projects and incorporate them into the proposal narrative and program design.

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
06.2022 - 07.2022
  • Worked with design team to implement new department website for the Office of Student Engagement, Leadership and Success
  • Designed and developed several web pages, applied website structure and proper accessibility standards
  • Created graphics such as icons and banners that followed accessible design principles and Cal Poly Pomona standards in typography and color

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
12.2021 - 05.2022
  • Maintained and updated the Office of Academic Innovation department website
  • Set up the online of presence of campus wide initiatives like Innovation Incubator, Digital badging, and Micro-Internships
  • Gathered information from various sources to create content for department web pages
  • Designed and edited printed training and marketing materials
  • Maintained the website by fixing broken links and updated content through cascade server CMS
  • Used HTML & custom CSS to make changes for content on website
  • Optimized keyword use and effectiveness for SEO
  • Applied proper accessibility standards
  • Helped to edit and clean up online materials
  • Created forms and collected data for student events
  • Attended weekly meetings

Web Specialist

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Maintained and updated the Office of Student Life and Cultural Centers department website
  • Used Cascade server to create web pages, manage content, and applied website structure
  • Met with coordinators of each cultural center for changes on respective websites
  • Updates included fixing broken links, updating event details, adding videos/images, creating new pages, and redesigning pages for improvements in user experience
  • Attended monthly Cascade Server User workshops for new features and techniques in the CMS

Renassiance Scholars Peer Mentor

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
08.2019 - 05.2021
  • Built Wordpress blog site for community engagement
  • Manipulated themes, images, and applied website structure
  • Produced podcast for the Renaissance Scholars program to create community through a digital platform
  • Collaborated with team on content creation for podcasts and blogs by acting as host/producer and webmaster/editor for blog site
  • Arranged weekly sessions with mentees to monitor and document student progress in understanding and applying effective study and life skills
  • Assisted freshman/sophomore/transfer students with the adjustment to the university and college life
  • Explored options and alternatives to help students define their own solutions to problems, develop effective decision making skills; related to personal, social and educational concerns; Model and encourage good academic behavior, class attendance, and event attendance
  • Helped students cope with or eliminate problems that may affect positive academic or personal progress
  • Led and facilitated small group activities on a weekly, monthly and semester basis
  • Developed Passive Programming for all RS Students on a weekly/monthly/semester basis such as enrichment events
  • Assisted with On and Off Campus outreach, presentations, events and retention efforts (ex
  • Share experience in being in the program and at CPP, brief tours, etc.); participate in group community service efforts; attendance at various Foster Youth focused meetings, conferences, workshops and programs
  • Attended Professional Development Trainings on a regular basis to be aware of CPP and Local resources

Summer Bridge Champion

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
06.2020 - 07.2020
  • Under general supervision, the SB Champion student leader will provide support in various virtual programming events and activities throughout the Summer Bridge Program to ensure the successful transition of program participants from high school to Cal Poly Pomona
  • Primary responsibilities include serving as positive role models by providing the perspective of a successful student in relation to Summer Bridge topics and activities
  • One to One Peer Mentoring Meetings: Champions will meet with an assigned group of students to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all; schedule virtual 30 minute weekly one-on-one check in meeting to discuss students' progress and well-being and maintain meeting documentation records; create and implement intervention plans to support students success and transition; serve as a peer liaison and make appropriate referrals as needed to campus resources and SSEP professional staff
  • Special Projects and Student Engagement Activities: Champions will assist Summer Bridge staff with special projects and small- and large-scale community building activities that align with program goals and promote a sense of belonging among program participants
  • Champions will also work with a diverse team to provide a wide variety of support services and develop relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators
  • Role model positive behavior and the following of program rules and regulations
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with Summer Bridge participants as a student leader representing the program, department, and university
  • Champions will participate in a wide range of training workshops/weekly team meetings/ weekly one on one meetings with Lead, and assessment efforts

Maker Studio Ambassador

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
01.2020 - 03.2020
  • Maker Studio Ambassadors have the responsibility to ensure that the Maker Studio supports the creative vision of Cal Poly Pomona students
  • Ambassador duties include maintaining the makerspace, managing equipment, conducting administrative tasks, and aiding with any inquiries
  • Supported the Maker Studio in its efforts to encourage creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship
  • Maintained the space during designated times when on duty
  • Provided assistance to students and visitors as necessary
  • Coordinated with the iLab team to create a friendly environment for all visitors to the Maker Studio
  • Helped plan and organize events or activities that support the mission of the Student Innovation Idea Labs

Kitting Assistant

American Red Cross
01.2017 - 08.2017
  • Distributed and maintained supplies and equipment used in blood collection and warehouse operations
  • Created blood drive kits for the American Red Cross in the Pomona area

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Computer Information Systems/Applications Development

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
05.2022

Certificate - Computer Programming

Mt. San Antonio College
12-2026

Certificate - Artificial Intelligence

Mt. San Antonio College
12-2026

Skills

  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Agile Project Management
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
  • Responsive design
  • HTML and CSS coding
  • Wireframing and prototyping
  • Website maintenance
  • Information architecture
  • Performance optimization
  • Search engine optimization

Certification

  • HTML Level 1
  • NASPA Letter of Recommendation
  • Design Powered by Data: Getting Started with UX Web Analytics
  • Winter Institute 2024 MicroInternships
  • Content Marketing Foundations

Personal Information

Web Designer

Organization

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Awards

Dean's List

Timeline

Web Designer

Freelance
09.2023 - Current

Web Designer

ACE Women's Network - Southern California
10.2022 - Current

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
06.2022 - 07.2022

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
05.2022 - Current

Web Designer

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
12.2021 - 05.2022

Web Specialist

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
08.2021 - 05.2022

Summer Bridge Champion

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
06.2020 - 07.2020

Maker Studio Ambassador

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
01.2020 - 03.2020

Renassiance Scholars Peer Mentor

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
08.2019 - 05.2021

Kitting Assistant

American Red Cross
01.2017 - 08.2017

Bachelor's Degree - Computer Information Systems/Applications Development

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Certificate - Computer Programming

Mt. San Antonio College

Certificate - Artificial Intelligence

Mt. San Antonio College

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