NAME: Ruby Ibarra
HOMETOWN: San Lorenzo, CA
TWITTER: @rubyibarra / INSTAGRAM: @rubyibarra
How do you introduce yourself?
I introduce myself as first and foremost as a sister and daughter. After those roles, I am an emcee and spoken word artist.
What inspires you?
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Life. My family. Much of my music and poetry is rooted in my own personal experiences, as well as my parents' stories as first generation immigrants. I like to write about stories and experiences that often go untold or are silenced.
What challenges you?
Currently, my main challenge is balancing my personal life with my work as an an aspiring artist. Since I also have a full-time job outside of music, at times, it's a bit of a balancing act and a challenge to handle both careers, especially when it comes to time. I am slowly learning how to best prioritize my time and how I can remove unnecessary activities so that I am most productive.
Tell us about the biggest risk you ever took.
One of the biggest risks I ever took was a few years ago: I quit my daytime job to pursue music full time. Although it was nerve wracking and scary at first, I found it very rewarding as I was able to get more things done in my music career. I am hoping that I can have the drive to do that again very soon.
What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?
I am currently reading "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood and listening to music by Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Amine.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what career would you want to pursue?
I am actually pursuing both careers/passions at the moment! Outside of music and poetry, my interest also lies in the sciences. I am currently a scientist by day and a rapper/poet by night/weekend!
What’s your motto?
Patience, practice, and perseverance.
I celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because…
Until now, much of our histories as an API community remain untold or hidden from the mainstream. I think it is very important that we all continue to speak our voice and tell our stories.
NBC Asian America Presents: A to Z aims to celebrate the emerging voices and breakout stars of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. These individuals aren’t just reading the dictionary of what it means to be Asian American and Pacific Islander in America; they’re writing new definitions every day.
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