Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their role in U.S. history. As a part of our mission statement, “Our Foundation”, we strive to foster a culture that recognizes and celebrates the value of everyone’s contributions. This month, we partnered with our newest Team Member Resource Group, BRIDGE (Black Resources Inspiring Diversity, Growth & Excellence), to spotlight a few of the many influential African American team members within our organization. Join us each week in February to learn about the inspiring stories and achievements of these dynamic members of our team!
This week, we learn about Ruth Daley, Property Claims Examiner II.
Ruth comes from a Jamaican and Cuban background and was given the nickname, “Bunty”, which means lively. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York during one of the toughest times, known as “the crack epidemic.” Although Ruth was unaffected, the epidemic impacted many of the people she knew. So, after high school Ruth elected to join the Navy, and this served as the outlet to leave Brooklyn. Ruth is a 9/11 survivor and a Persian Gulf War Veteran.
What is most important to Ruth? Family! She believes that knowing your background and where you came from helps to establish how far you can go. For Ruth, her daughter is her biggest motivator. Knowing that her daughter depends on her pushes Ruth to lead by example. With her daughter being in entertainment, Ruth believes that it is important to show her that limitations don’t exist and anything is possible.
This desire of achieving endless possibilities also prompted Ruth to accept a position as President of an organization called Women of Entrepreneurship, LLC. Lastly, influential black leaders like Les Brown also inspire Ruth because “seeing where he came from, and where he is now is amazing. This reiterates the fact that the possibilities of where you can go in life are endless.”
Ruth believes that black history is every day, because “there isn’t anything that we haven’t touched.” She ensures that her daughter knows the importance of black history as well.
The guiding truths that propel Ruth are first and foremost, you don’t have to be great to get started, but you can’t be great if you never start. Second, you should aspire to lead and never follow. Because eagles fly alone, and pigeons flock together!
