Ruth Koha James
Ruth’s lived experiences aligned with MIRA’s mission and vision, and she is humbled to help to fulfill that mission and vision in her role as the Membership Coordinator.
Originally from Liberia, West Africa, Ruth fled the Liberian Civil War and became a refugee in other African countries. When the opportunity presented itself, Ruth traveled to the United States of America and overtime, obtained the required documents to live in the United States.
Having benefited from resources provided from organizations while in the process of integration into American society, Ruth understands firsthand the importance of networking and collaborating the affairs of member organizations, so that they all have the needed resources and support to ensure that individuals and families integrate successfully into American society.
Ruth has volunteered/worked for numerous nonprofit organizations, including but not limited to faith-based, healthcare, educational, youth enrichment, and girls and women support nonprofits. Some of these organizations include:The New England Conference United Methodist Church, The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Inc. Headquarters, The American Red Cross Massachusetts Region and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM). Ruth is currently a Big Sister (Mentor) in the Big Futures Program at BBBSEM.
It was through volunteering that Ruth learned about MIRA and immediately started to volunteer at the Citizenship Clinics assisting applicants to fill out their N-400 applications for naturalization.
Ruth is a two-time alumna of Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies and a Master of Science Degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy. She has formed two nonprofits organizations namely: Grief Care, Inc. and Koha Girls, Inc. Grief Care, Inc. is now a merger of Koha Girls, Inc., whose mission is to to empower all girls and women to achieve their set goals and to become productive citizens.
For recreation, Ruth engages in handicrafts. Her latest handcraft project is crocheting doll dresses to sell and support Koha,Girls Inc, and other nonprofits with the same mission.