Sonia E. Ruiz, Principal of Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, Illinois, has guided the school to Exemplary Status for three consecutive years. Under her leadership, the school has achieved significant academic growth while fostering a culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. A proud Latina leader, Sonia is committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality learning in safe, inclusive school communities.

With more than two decades in education, Sonia’s work has been recognized statewide and nationally, earning her the 2026 NASSP National Middle Level Principal of the Year award, along with honors as the 2026 Illinois Middle Level Principal of the Year, the 2025 Illinois NAESP National Distinguished Principal of the Year, the 2025 Three Rivers Middle School Principal of the Year, and the 2021 Lake County IPA Assistant Principal of the Year.

Sonia serves as the Diversity and Equity Chair for the Illinois Principals Association and serves on the NAESP National Task Force on Race and Equity. A frequent keynote speaker and presenter, she mentors aspiring leaders and facilitates professional learning on leadership, equity, and school improvement. Sonia earned degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago and Concordia University Chicago and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University.

Grounded in her belief that representation matters and that all students deserve to be seen, valued, and supported, Sonia advocates for underrepresented communities, mentor rising leaders, and advance equity in education across Illinois and beyond.