Rut Vargas Vivas, a native of Bogotá, Colombia, was born and raised as the third among three sisters and one brother. Her parents, Martín Vargas and María Inés Vivas, firmly believed in the pivotal role of education in personal development. They considered themselves responsible for their children’s educational journey, emphasizing that it wasn’t solely the school’s duty. This philosophy translated into a childhood devoid of a television, with limited entertainment options beyond a substantial Phillips radio and a handful of toys. Rut’s mother engaged the family with books, while her father fostered a love for mathematics and geometry, enduring passions in her life. Their favorite pastime involved exploring the fields near Usaquén, then a town adjacent to Bogotá, now incorporated as a city neighborhood.
Completing primary and secondary education in Catholic institutions, Rut graduated in political science from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá in 1992. Subsequently, she earned a master’s degree in Planning and Development in 2002, before relocating to the United States. In 2012, Rut achieved an MSW, specializing as a psychotherapist, from the University of Utah.
In Colombia, Rut contributed to community welfare through a non-governmental organization, implementing projects and advising the UNDP on program implementation in Bogotá. Later, she served as an advisor in the Technical Cooperation and International Relations office of the Presidency.
Upon her move to the United States, Rut commenced her career as a freelancer, transitioning into a role as a reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune, focusing on news related to the Hispanic or Latino population. Currently, she dedicates her efforts to conducting psychosocial evaluations for clients facing criminal charges, presenting these assessments in the courts of justice in Utah and the United States.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Rut is an avid writer, channeling her passion into poems, novels, short stories, and essays. Her literary journey includes the publication of a novel on Amazon titled “Mala Prosapia” (loosely translating to bad lineage or bad origin). Presently, she is actively working on a second novel and a collection of short stories, both anticipated to be released in March or April 2023.
