Maria Ruth Ortega Rivera, is a graduate of the Anthropology Unit of the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, specializing in Archeology. Since 2002 she has worked with the National Anthropology Institute of Guanajuato and the State Cultural Institute as a research assistant on the Plazuelas archeology projects in Pénjamo and Peralta in Abasolo, taking part in the conservation, research, protection, rescue, recovery and dissemination of the archeological heritage, as well as supporting the organization and logistics necessary for public site access.

In both projects she undertook an analysis of the ceramic material of the first excavation season, as well as implementing eventual plans such as the temporary employment plan as well as the organization and planning of cultural events on the sites, the training of a group of children from the Plazuelas community who took part as volunteer guides at the archeological site, as well as training site staff to provide adequate information.

She has supported the operation of both archeological sites since Plazuelas opened to the public in 2006 and Peralta in 2008.