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RUTH BARAJAS ASSI, MSW, LMSW
2025 ARLINGTON ESTRELLA DE TEJAS Ruth Barajas Assi is a Texas-based therapist, nonprofit leader, and community advocate committed to strengthening communities through mental health, education, leadership development, and civic engagement. A Fort Worth native and first-generation Mexican American, Ruth brings a deep understanding of the importance of representation, access, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. As a mental health therapist, Ruth specializes in supporting individuals navigating OCD, anxiety, maternal mental health, perinatal and postpartum concerns, and the unique experiences of BIPOC communities. She is passionate about creating spaces where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered. Beyond her clinical work, Ruth is deeply engaged in nonprofit and community leadership. She is a founding member of the HWNT Arlington Chapter, where she currently serves as Marketing Director. Ruth is also a Latinas in Progress (LIP) alumna of the HWNT Fort Worth Chapter, a program focused on mentoring and empowering Latina students as they pursue higher education and professional goals. Her experience as a LIP alumna continues to inform her commitment to mentorship, educational access, and creating pathways for young Latina leaders. |
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MONICA FLORES
2024 ARLINGTON ESTRELLA DE TEJAS Monica Flores is a seasoned banker with 24 years of experience in the Arlington and Fort Worth markets. Currently serving as a Commercial Loan Assistant at Simmons Bank's Fort Worth corporate office. Monica has been a dedicated member of the team for 22 years. Her career started in retail as a Personal Banker, eventually becoming a Financial Center Manager. Seeking a new challenge after 19 years, Monica joined the Commercial Lending team. In her current role, Monica supports the bank’s Commercial Bankers by managing and maintaining loan portfolios, all while adhering to the bank’s credit policy, regulations, and compliance requirements. Her position demands significant interaction with both new and existing bank customers, fostering relationships both internally and externally.
Monica is deeply committed to helping others, extending her passion beyond her professional duties to her community. Since 2003, she has been a loyal member of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT), serving in roles such as Treasurer and Scholarship Chair. She is a founding member of the Arlington Chapter and was honored with the State Estrella Award by its membership. Additionally, Monica has dedicated the past decade to volunteering with the Girl Scouts of America Texas Oklahoma Plains, supporting her daughter and her troop in various activities. She also actively participates in Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail, teaching financial literacy to elementary students in low-to-moderate-income schools. Monica is a proud Fort Worth native, deeply connected to her roots. She graduated from Fort Worth’s Dunbar High School for Science and Engineering Professions and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Southwest Texas State University. Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Monica is a devoted soccer and baseball mom, recently adding golf to her family's activities. She enjoys traveling with her husband, daughter, and son, visiting art museums and Major League Baseball parks across the country. |
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