Lead the Way: Ruth Mageria
About Lead the Way
Every month we spotlight an exemplary alumnus or alumna who is a true leader in their field and in the community. These individuals astound and inspire us. We draw the curtain back on their professional careers, daily routines, and the source of their passion.
Ruth Mageria
Executive Director
CROS Ministries
LPBC Class Year: 2015
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Read a passage from my devotional book and pray, as I have a cup of tea. On most days, I then check WhatsApp on my phone and respond to messages from my family in Kenya.
What time do you get to work usually?
It depends… Between 9:00 am – 9:30am. Many times though, my day might start with a breakfast meeting and other days, I do not make it to the office at all, or get there in the afternoon.
Do you get any work done before you get to the office?
Yes… I check emails and respond to the most pressing ones, especially if I am not going to the office immediately.
How do your roles at CROS Ministries and LPBC affect each other?
They are complimentary. I currently serve on LPBC’s Finance Committee, and have chaired Health and Human Services day for the Engage Program. CROS’ mission is to serve the hungry in Palm Beach and Martin Counties through community collaborations. LPBC focuses on bringing leaders from all sectors to build and steward a vibrant and interconnected community. I am grateful to be part of both organizations that are looking to make a positive impact for all residents and make Palm Beach County a better place.
What is the most rewarding part of your day/job?
The most rewarding part of my job is meeting people who share with me that when they were going through a tough time, they received a bag of food from one of our pantries or a hot meal from our Caring Kitchen program or are young adults who attended one of our summer camps and are now in college. It is gratifying to know that CROS Ministries made a difference in their lives.
What is the hardest part of your day/job?
The hardest part of my job is ensuring that we have adequate resources to meet the needs, as well as having to say no when asked to expand our services because we do not have the capacity required.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?
My goal this year is to read at least one book on leadership every other month. I am currently reading “Dare to Lead” by Dr. Brene Brown. I also attend conferences and listen to TED Talks. I am grateful for mentors, and especially value my colleagues at the Nonprofit Chamber of Palm Beach County.
What is the best advice you have received?
One of my favorite quotes is by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr…“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” This quote reminds me of my father encouraging us his children, to work hard, do our best and never give up.
Aside from your work, what are you passionate about?
My family, and especially my 16-year-old son James, as well as friends. At the end of the day, life is about relationships.
What issue in PBC would you like to see fixed tomorrow?
We live in one of the nation’s wealthiest and agriculturally rich regions, and yet Palm Beach County has the highest rate of food insecurity, more than any other county in South Florida. Approximately 200,000 residents are food insecure, 64,000 are children. This means that 1 in 4 children are hungry. These households while not suffering from outright hunger every week or month still have trouble putting nutritious food on the table. Food is a basic need and is an essential health component. I am happy that I am part of the solution through the work we do at CROS Ministries.
Rapid Fire Round
Texting or Talking? Talking.
Do you have a nickname? Shiro, which is the short version of my middle (Kenyan) name Wanjiru.
Oceans or Mountains? Oceans.
Sneakers or Sandals? Sandals
Biggest pet peeve? People talking loudly on their cell phones with complete disregard of those around them, who are not part of the conversation
