Ruth Bastanchury was born in a storm at sea, on a boat that would later take her father’s life. She raised a daughter as a single mother and supported her entire family through the Great Depression—first as a secretary, always as a survivor.

Ruth Boeckerman worked the classifieds at the Los Angeles Times to pay for college. She earned a PhD in Geology from the University of Michigan, taught at community colleges, and stood up for her colleagues as a union steward. She carried unthinkable trauma and still became a light to those around her.

Jackie Ruth Muir was the glue. She showed her love by showing up—working long hours for little pay, making sure her kids were fed and the lights stayed on. She took care of everything: her job, her household, and her own mother, until the very end.

I am Jennifer Ruth Beuthin. Once a rebellious kid, then a hard-charging investigative journalist, then a leader in California’s labor movement—and now, a mother and the founder of Ruth Co.

And Maya Ruth Beuthin? She’s six. Most days, she’s flying high in her imaginary helicopter, destined for great adventures.

When I became a mom, I began to feel—in my body—just how much the world of work wasn’t built for women to show up whole. I realized that conventional success would never be enough. I didn’t want Maya to watch me merely endure the systems made bearable by the grit and sacrifice of the women before me. I wanted her to see what’s possible when we lead with imagination, determination, and integrity—without leaving ourselves behind.

I started Ruth Co. not just for us, but for all the leaders who carry deep purpose and still want to live fully. This is for those who are building change—not at the expense of their wholeness, but rooted in it.