Many notable figures came to celebrate the discoverer of a brown dwarf, two planetary nebulae in the halo of our galaxy and a supernova in the act of exploding.

Ruiz was the first woman to complete undergraduate studies in physics from Princeton University in Astrophysics in the early 1970s, when finding a woman in those leagues was something quite unusual, unexpected and almost disturbing to many. She became the first woman to win the National Prize in Exact Sciences (1997), the discoverer of a brown dwarf, two planetary nebulae in the halo of our galaxy and a supernova in the act of exploding.

Sima Nisis Rezepka, President of Zonta Club of Santiago-Chile, expressed deep admiration for Maria Teresa, saying Zonta women felt their commitment to strengthened. Rezepka continued on to recognize Ruize for her the contribution to world science.

Regarding the award, Maria Teresa Ruiz said "I am very honored to receive this recognition!" She also thanked Zonta for the affection they showed her through the ceremony.

 Many notable senior figures attended the ceremony, including: former Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency Mr. José Antonio Viera Gallo, Women Community President Mrs. Esperanza Cueto, President of the Chilean Academy of Sciences Mr. Juan Asenjo, Representative of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile Mr. Massimo Tarenghi, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics University of Chile Mr. Felipe Alvarez, Deputy Director, Institute of International Studies at the U. of Chile Mr. Walter Sanchez. Also present were astronomers as Mr. José Maza, Exact Sciences National Award 1999, Director of the Center for Astrophysics Fondap Mr. Guido Garay, Cosmology Ring Director of the University of Chile Mr. Luis Campusano, Members of Eclac United Nations, FAO United Nations, ASONG, fellow Zontians and friends who joined in the awards ceremony and Zonta action campaign ZONTA SAYS NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.

Chilean astronomer María Teresa Ruiz was awarded´Women of the Year 2012´ by Zonta Club Zonta of Santiago-Chile.