About Me

Ruth Chang (D.Phil.) explains that hard choices aren’t difficult because of a lack of knowledge but because they’re moments when we get to define who we are. They force us to confront our values, wrestle with uncertainty, and shape our futures.

Reflecting on my own journey, I've experienced periods of drifting—moving from one possibility to the next without a clear sense of purpose. My curiosity to learn new things and a longing to be intellectually challenged often outweighed any specific direction. While each degree, role, and organization I’ve been a part of has fostered growth and new skills, I’ve become more reflective and intentional over time, honing in on what truly matters to me. I've come to recognize three core pillars that define who I am:

1. Science & Environment: The natural world has always inspired me, grounding my curiosity and driving my passion for sustainability and environmental education.

2. Health & Fitness: Physical well-being isn’t just a lifestyle for me; it’s a path to resilience, discipline, and connection with others through shared goals and pursuits.

3. Coaching & Education: Guiding others and facilitating learning experiences is deeply fulfilling. It’s about empowering people to grow and realize their full potential.

I can trace each degree, personal travel experience, and (almost) every job opportunity back to one of these three pillars. While my path has been winding, what has kept me grounded and tethered to my authentic self is staying true to these core values. Whenever I find myself feeling too far removed from these pillars, it becomes clear that I’ve made the wrong choice and need to create opportunities to realign. For anyone out there grappling with hard choices: remember, it’s less about finding the objectively “right” opportunity and more about crafting a life that reflects who you want to become.

While these pillars help me stay true to myself, the skills I’ve acquired through experiences tied to them are remarkably transferable across various sectors and roles. I often describe myself as an expert generalist—always thirsty to learn, adapt, and solve problems creatively. Over the years, I’ve realized that while I can thrive in different environments as a strategic thinker and operational leader, true fulfillment comes from staying anchored to one of my core pillars.

With expertise in strategy, program management, and operations, I bring a unique ability to analyze complex problems, design efficient processes, and execute solutions with precision. I excel at connecting the dots across disciplines, identifying opportunities for innovation, and leading teams through dynamic challenges. My strategic mindset enables me to break down high-level goals into actionable plans, while my operational acumen ensures seamless implementation and sustainable impact. Yet, at the heart of my work, I require authenticity—being aligned with my pillars—to bring my best self and feel genuinely fulfilled.