Graduate Student Michelle Ruiz was selected to join the Fall 2024 cohort of the Bill Anderson Fund. The Bill Anderson Fund supports minority graduate students who are historically underrepresented in hazards and disaster-related careers. Since its establishment in 2014, the program has enrolled over 100 students from more than 20 disciplines, offering professional development through fellowship, workshops, and mentorship. By focusing on the lived experiences of marginalized communities, the Bill Anderson Fund aims to build a diverse cohort of leaders capable of addressing inequities and advancing disaster risk reduction and environmental justice.