Ruth Rathblott

DEI Expert, Bestselling Author & Award-Winning Former Nonprofit Leader

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Biography

Ruth Rathblott is an expert on inclusion and diversity. She is a TEDx and inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning former nonprofit leader. Read More >

She was born with a limb difference and speaks with leaders on issues of equity and belonging, the gifts of being unique, and the freedom of accepting your differences.

Ruth was profiled as a CEO in The New York Times’ Corner Office and received Goucher College’s Excellence in Public Service Award, among other awards, for her outstanding leadership in the nonprofit sector. She has spent her entire career focused on providing opportunities for those who have been underrepresented.

She serves as a board member of The Lucky Fin Project. Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

When I stopped hiding, I found freedom

Speech Topics

The Angst Behind Hiding: It’s Not the Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever felt like you were hiding part of yourself? The answer is likely yes! Read More >

In this presentation, Ruth discusses the universal feelings of hiding and covering and how different it is from the imposter syndrome often felt in the workplace.

Through an engaging presentation, Ruth leads the attendees through creating strategies to emerge from hiding. Her core message is to Own Your Differences.

One key question answered is how do we create the conversation and space for others’ differences?

Ready to find out? Read Less ^

Learning to Unhide & Live Authentically

Living authentically means being able to bring your full self to work. To have the freedom to face challenges, ask for help without fear, and share your experiences to help others. Read More >

When we spend so much time hiding parts of ourselves, we become exhausted and feel lonely and isolated.

Are we really performing at our best if we have to expend energy to hide pieces of ourselves while at work?

Ruth shares approaches and action plans to move us forward by owning our differences and creating space for others differences.

Ready to start the collective journey of acceptance? Read Less ^

How We Show Up

Most of us know when people are being authentic, accepting themselves — right? Maybe not. Nodding ‘yes’ isn’t an indicator that they are really present. Read More >

In this presentation, Ruth explores what authenticity really means, how it benefits the organization and the true importance of showing up as who we are.

She leads an interactive discussion around showing empathy and what humanity looks like in the workplace.

By the end of this presentation, attendees will be thinking about representation – and whose voices are heard.

Ready for the team to be fully present at work? Read Less ^

The C.U.R.E. to Inclusion Workshop

Ready to have a conversation around Inclusion, but not sure where to start or what that looks like? Read More >

Ruth leads attendees in personal reflection and small group activities that encourages them to explore 4 dimensions of Inclusion.

Connection – how do we build attachment and display humanity?
Understanding – how do we create safe places for conversations about difference?
Representation – how do we ensure that everyone has a seat at the table?
Empathy – are we fostering a workplace with allies and ambassadors?

And how does all of this relate to our human need for belonging?

This workshop addresses these questions … and more! Read Less ^

Testimonials

“Ruth Rathblott is a true leader and visionary in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Qlik hosted sessions with Ruth sharing her experiences and knowledge on living with disabilities and embracing inclusion. Ruth is now engaged with our team to implement an Employee Resource Group focused on disabilities, both visible and invisible. I highly recommend working with Ruth in any capacity for companies looking to focus on the value of inclusion for all employees. Her experience and knowledge transcends individual issues and speaks to everyone. Please feel free to contact me for further reference information.”

- VP Sustainability and DE&I, Qlik

“Ruth Rathblott recently appeared as a guest speaker at CUNY – she was dynamic! Her passion and enthusiasm for inclusion is heard loud and clear in her message, and as a speaker she is totally gifted – a true talent. What is so fascinating about Ruth’s presentation is the honesty and real emotion she shares with the audience. I am a LEADS (Linking Employment Academics and Disability Services) Specialist and through Ruth sharing her own experiences she motivated our students and fellow counselors in the most positive way. She was just the voice we needed to start the academic year. If anyone out there is looking for a guest speaker who is relatable, informative, and entertaining I’d highly recommend Ruth Rathblott! We are definitely having her back at CUNY… as much as possible!!”

- CUNY

“Ruth is one of the most inspiring and engaging people you could ever meet. There is nothing she can’t do and if you are looking to educate your team to understand that inclusion is a broader term than many of us realize, you won’t find a more compelling and compassionate person to do it. Ruth spoke to our FOX Advertising Sales Team and the response was absolutely incredible. I have known Ruth a long time and was blown away by what I learned and I am eternally grateful because by sharing her personal story with such grace, she made us all a little more self-aware and left the team with a kinder outlook towards both our co-workers and people in general!”

- FOX, Head of Global Sales and Partnerships