As a program officer, Rubén Peralta builds relationships with grantees and collaborates with foundation colleagues to develop, recommend, implement, and evaluate grants and programs. Most recently, he was the community and tribal engagement specialist for the Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health, which serves nine counties in southern and southeast Washington. While there, he worked with communities to identify structural barriers to health and well-being to allocate grants. Rubén began his career with the Pasco School District, where he was also once a student. He was a bilingual educator and then later served as dean of students and a school board member.
Rubén lives in Pasco, where he is raising three children: Diego, an excellent saxophone player; Camila, a future kindergarten teacher; and Valentina, an aspiring immigration lawyer. He attended Columbia Basin College and earned a degree in social studies and a secondary teaching certificate from Washington State University. Rubén enjoys family gatherings, watching sports, and camping at nearby state parks. One of his favorite hobbies is tinkering with his car.