This month, we’re excited to spotlight Feliz Ruiz, one of our dedicated Member Advocates at Cofertility. A public health professional with over five years of experience in community engagement and health equity–driven work, Feliz brings a thoughtful, data-informed approach to supporting individuals and families through their reproductive health and family-building journeys. With a deep commitment to expanding access to care, resources, and education, she approaches every member interaction with intention, empathy, and respect. At Cofertility, Feliz plays a vital role in helping members feel informed, supported, and empowered as they navigate deeply personal decisions about their futures.
Let’s get to know Feliz better:
Q: What drew you to working at Cofertility?
As someone entering my 30s who doesn’t yet have children but hopes to one day, Cofertility’s model immediately resonated with me. I was drawn to the accessibility we create for both intended parents and Split members, and to the way we’re redefining what family-building can look like. Being part of a mission that expands options and removes barriers feels deeply meaningful to me at this stage of my life.
Q: Can you walk us through what a typical day looks like for you?
I usually start my day by making a latte and spending some time outside with my dogs. I’m big on digital planning, so I review my schedule and create a to-do list on my iPad, which often includes following up with Split members and joining Zoom meetings with both members and my team. I try to fit in a quick midday workout, grab lunch, and then settle back in at my laptop for the afternoon. Before signing off, I do one last sweep of emails, texts, and Slack to make sure everything is taken care of. Throughout the day, I take a few outdoor breaks with the pups, and occasionally I’ll switch things up by working from a coffee shop for a change of scenery.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of supporting members through their family-building process?
The most rewarding part is seeing the sense of relief that egg freezing brings to people who know they want a family, whether they aren’t ready yet or haven’t had the opportunity so far. For many members, it lifts a huge weight—whether that’s pressure around timing, career, relationships, or other life circumstances. Being able to support them through that process and knowing they can move forward with greater peace of mind is incredibly rewarding.
Q: Is there a particular member story that has stuck with you?
I don’t have one specific member story that stands out yet, but what’s resonated with me most is the strong sense of community around this work. Members aren’t just thinking about their own journey, but about how their decisions can help someone else build a family. Seeing that level of thoughtfulness, generosity, and shared purpose has been incredibly meaningful and continues to inspire me.
Q: How do you approach supporting members who might be feeling anxious or uncertain?
When a member is feeling anxious or uncertain, I start by making sure I understand where those feelings are coming from. I want to ensure they have their questions answered and access to the resources they need so they can feel informed and confident in their decision. I also think it’s important to normalize those feelings; this process can feel big and emotional. Knowing they’re not alone, and that many others have felt the same way, often helps ease some of that anxiety.
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about egg donation?
I wish more people knew that while egg donation can sound unfamiliar or intimidating, it’s actually a thoughtfully guided and well-supported process. It’s helped thousands of families grow and can be rooted in compassion, choice, and care for everyone involved. For many, it becomes a hopeful and empowering path to parenthood they may not have realized was even an option.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their family-building process, what would it be?
I would encourage them to give themselves time and grace. Family-building rarely looks exactly how we imagine it, and it’s okay to feel unsure, emotional, or overwhelmed along the way. Ask questions, lean on trusted support, and remember that there’s no “right” timeline or path, only the one that feels right for you.
Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
I love hiking and spending time outdoors with my dogs. I have a Siberian Husky and a German Shepherd who are the best adventure partners, and exploring new places with them brings me so much joy. I also enjoy visiting local coffee shops and trying new foods, whether that’s experimenting with a new recipe at home or checking out a new restaurant. Thrifting and finding unique pieces for my home is another favorite pastime.
Q: How do you practice self-care while supporting members through emotional moments?
Working remotely has been incredibly helpful in allowing me to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthier work-life balance. I focus on creating a daily routine, while also giving myself flexibility when things don’t go exactly as planned. Being in the right headspace is essential to supporting others, so I make a point to take breaks throughout the day and spend time outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes, to stay grounded.
Q: What’s one of your proudest moments as a Member Advocate?
Since I’m fairly new to the team, one of my proudest moments so far has been supporting my first Split member from start to finish through her egg retrieval. Building that relationship, learning alongside her, and being present throughout such an important and personal journey was incredibly meaningful. That experience really solidified why this work is so impactful.
