Feature Spotlight #53 - Yaritza Ruiz

From The Bronx to Business Owner: Yaritza Ruiz’s Title Journey.

This week, Her.Collective’s Women of Title Spotlight features Yaritza Ruiz, the powerhouse owner of Absolutely Clear Title (ACT) in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley. Her journey from a Bronx paralegal to title agency owner is one of grit, resilience, and courage—a story that inspires women across the industry to step into their power, find their voice, and claim their space.

From Typist to Title Agency Owner.

Yaritza’s career began in The Bronx, working as a real estate paralegal in boutique law offices. Those early years laid the foundation for her understanding of the homebuying process, and they sparked an interest in the behind-the-scenes details that make property ownership possible.

Her next move—to become a banking paralegal—gave her deeper exposure to clearing title matters, and it wasn’t long before she found herself drawn into the title industry. By 2015, Yaritza officially joined a title company. “I became a sponge,” she recalls, “absorbing everything I could about the operations of the business.”

When the world shifted during the Covid pandemic, Yaritza made a bold decision. Rather than waiting for the “right time,” she launched her own agency: Absolutely Clear Title (ACT). It was both a leap of faith and the culmination of years of dedication to learning the ins and outs of title.

“I started as a typist, then moved into reading and abstracting. Now, as an owner, I’m learning to delegate. Each step has been part of my evolution, and I carry those experiences into every decision I make.”

The Power of Mentorship and Inspiration.

Like many successful leaders, Yaritza found inspiration outside the industry as well. Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and entrepreneur, has been a guiding voice in her journey.

“One day, while listening to a podcast Barbara was featured on, she said, ‘That office you want, do it now! It will not be there when you think you are ready.’ That message resonated so deeply. It was exactly the push I needed to take action.”

That courage to leap—to open her own business before she felt “ready”—has defined Yaritza’s leadership.

Facing Challenges as a Latina in Title.

Yaritza is candid about the challenges she’s faced as a Latina woman whose first language was Spanish and who grew up in The Bronx.

“With my accent and background, it hasn’t always been easy to fit into the Old Boys’ Club,” she shares. “Especially in New York, where the industry has been traditionally attorney-driven. I’ve had to work hard to shift the mindset toward recognizing title as a consumer-driven industry.”

But rather than allowing obstacles to hold her back, Yaritza has turned them into fuel. Her advice to younger women in the industry reflects this experience:

“Find your voice and take up space. Your contributions bring value.”

Her “Why.”

Behind Yaritza’s drive is a powerful sense of purpose. She lights up when talking about facilitating clarity for realtors and buyers.

“As a paralegal, I saw how frustrated buyers and agents became with the process—and with the lack of customer service. My mission is to ensure they can Be Absolutely Clear®. Those moments when clients finally understand and feel supported, that’s what keeps me going.”

Her why is also deeply personal. Yaritza became a mother at 15, grew up in public housing, and overcame the barriers and stereotypes society placed on her. “Selfishly,” she admits, “I do this to show my children—and other young women facing adversity—that they can rise above expectations and build something incredible.”

Strength Rooted in Faith, Gratitude, and Family.

Every step of Yaritza’s journey is anchored in faith and gratitude. “Every day, I wake up grateful for what I’ve been given. At least once a week, I pinch myself and think, ‘I really have a title company.’ That sense of wonder and humility never leaves me.”

Her family is her rock. She and her husband recently celebrated 28 years together—22 of them married—and they are raising three children, ages 26, 18, and 11. They also share their home with a Cane Corso named Onyx. Her mother-in-law, cousin/best friend, and her team at ACT have also been integral to her professional and personal growth.

“Without my village, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she reflects.

Beyond Business: A Writer at Heart.

Outside of title, Yaritza is passionate about writing. She is preparing to release a book this year, sharing a painful part of her life to help others find their voice through healing and growth.

“I love to write because it’s another way of giving clarity—of showing that out of painful experiences, new strength and wisdom can emerge.”

Music also plays a big role in her life. Her first concert was the Barrio Boyz, but her favorite was the Jonas Brothers’ 2023 opening night at Yankee Stadium. And while she listens to a wide range of genres daily, one artist stands out: “According to Apple Music, Bad Bunny has been my top artist three years straight!” she laughs.

Philosophy, Legacy, and Looking Ahead.

If there’s one word that defines Yaritza’s life and business, it’s Clarity. “Clarity and transparency are essential to great service and accountability. That’s the foundation of Absolutely Clear Title.”

Looking to the future, Yaritza hopes to be remembered as a disruptor of the New York title industry—someone who introduced title as a career path to younger generations and redefined customer service by putting consumers and real estate professionals first.

Final Thoughts.

For Yaritza Ruiz, success is more than owning a thriving title company. It’s about breaking barriers, setting an example, and lifting others as she climbs. Her story reminds us that resilience, clarity, and courage can change the trajectory of a life—and an industry.

“I am humbled and honored,” Yaritza says. “Thank you for including me in this amazing collective of women.”

💗 Thank you, Yaritza, for being a strong, inspiring Woman of Title. Your story of resilience, clarity, and courage is one that empowers others to find their voice and embrace their own journey.

*Connect with Yaritza here: yaritza@acleartitle.com.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook