Ruby’s story as a changemaker began on her undergraduate campus of UC Davis, where she was an active student activist and artist. In 2002, she co-founded iLL-Literacy with her best friend Adriel Luis, a spoken word group that was created with the intention of using poetry and performing arts as a means organize community and raise consciousness about social issues among young people.
As the only female member of iLL-Literacy, Ruby realized how powerful it was to help women find their voice. It was through her work with iLL-Literacy that she discovered her calling to empower women.
iLL-Literacy has shared the stage with the likes of Common, Mos Def, Goapele, and Saul Williams, and performed at over 400 venues across the United States. Additionally, iLL-Literacy has led hundreds of arts education workshops in high schools and universities across the United States and Europe.
Ruby was part of iLL-Literacy from 2002-2008.