She earned her doctorate of management degree from Case Western Reserve University. Ruth is a regular presenter at ARNOVA (Association for Research in Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action). Her publication and research interests focus on (1) diversity, intercultural interactions, and inclusion within multicultural communities, including nonprofit boards, voluntary organizations, and universities, and (2) nonprofit governance. For the past two years, Ruth has served as a member of the governance section for ARNOVA. She is active with many Tacoma-area nonprofits.