Solanyely Ruiz

Solanyely Ruiz was born on November 12, 1988, in Caracas, Venezuela, and grew up in the vibrant town of San Francisco de Yare, in the Valles del Tuy. Her academic background is both diverse and comprehensive. In 2009, she earned a degree as a Higher Technician in Accounting from the Francisco de Miranda University College in Caracas, and in 2015, she graduated with a Law degree from the Santa María University. Later, in 2018, she specialized in International Trade at the National Maritime Experimental University of the Caribbean, further expanding her professional perspective. As a Venezuelan lawyer, she has faced the challenge of interpreting the complex legal framework for both citizens and immigrants. She acknowledges that understanding the legal system can be difficult, especially for those arriving in a new country seeking opportunities or protection. Her experience has shown her the importance of simplifying and making legal processes more accessible, allowing people to navigate them with greater safety and confidence, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of regulations. Ruiz, as a writer and immigrant professional, has personally experienced the challenges of pursuing her dreams in foreign lands and understands the obstacles faced by those seeking a fresh start. Inspired by the many stories of migrants who have crossed the Darién Gap, she feels deeply connected to the motivations behind these journeys. However, she also warns that many of them are unaware of the complex legal labyrinths tied to their migration decisions. This realization was the driving force behind her book Darién: The Shadow Behind the American Dream, a work that aims to shed light on these experiences. Throughout her career, Solanyely has learned to balance professional rigor with the passion and commitment that define her, which is reflected on every page of her book. Darién is not just a narrative; it is a reflection on the migration crisis that, in recent years, has led thousands of people to cross one of the most inhospitable stretches of Central America. The work sits at the intersection of law and humanity, offering a profound perspective on this issue. As a lawyer, Ruiz reaffirms the importance of adhering to the law. However, as a human being, she cannot ignore the pain and suffering of those who risk everything in search of hope. Her work Darién is a contribution to give voice to these stories, promoting a dialogue where law and compassion can coexist in the face of the migration crisis.