Ruth Leal is a fundraiser with ten years of experience in mail solicitation, event planning, donor stewardship, and grant management. As the Development Director for REPRO Rising Virginia, she leads the organization’s fundraising strategy to increase its resources and elevate its mission.
Ruth’s journey in the non-profit sector began as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. Following her service, she dedicated herself to fundraising for organizations supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Richmond area. Her passion for social justice led her to Massachusetts, where she worked on state-wide issues to end homelessness. However, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Ruth returned to Virginia and shifted her focus. She decided to concentrate her efforts on supporting the reproductive justice movement. In 2022, she joined the Reproductive Health Access Project as their Manager of Development, where she played a key role in revamping their monthly donor program, enhancing their donor stewardship strategy, and organizing their first-ever in-person event since the pandemic. Now at REPRO Rising Virginia, Ruth is determined to uplift the organization’s message and capacity.
Ruth holds a BA in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. She lives in Richmond with her partner, Jack, and corgi, Penny.