A Letter From Our Founder

As an African born American I came to understand that no matter how high I climb the ladder my existence in professional spaces will always be a form of resistance. As a medical student I found it hard to show up as myself to clinic simply due to the lack of representation for students of color. I often questioned if my professional attire, hair, or any jewelry I sported was appropriate for the medical spaces I worked so hard to be in. These mental gymnastics I performed to assimilate became paralyzing- affecting my learning and ability to provide patient care. The silver lining is that it motivated me to create RUTA WEAR. Driving me to embrace, celebrate, and cherish my identity as an African born American instead of sacrificing it.