Richland Library introduces new entrepreneur-in-residence
February 1, 2022
Meet Beth Ruffin, Inclusion Expert
Learn how to make belonging and inclusion a part of your company’s DNA. Richland Library is thrilled to welcome Beth Ruffin as our new entrepreneur-in-residence (EiR).
During her residency, which runs February- May 2022, Ruffin plans to:
- serve as a liaison between the library and business community
- share her expertise with others by hosting office hours and curating digital content for the library’s website
- work closely with library staff to offer programs, which are free and open to the public, that focus on creating inclusive practices that help your company create a culture of belonging.
Armed with over 20 years in corporate America, Ruffin has an intimate knowledge of what it takes to help people be successful in business. After building the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program for a Fortune 250 company, Ruffin left corporate America and became a DEI guru. She actively works with people from all walks of life to teach and create the sustainable implementation of inclusion at the center of an organization’s core values.She strives to normalize inclusion-centered practices surrounding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and more. Ruffin helps companies be comfortable with talking about the uncomfortable.
A native of Abington, PA, Ruffin has settled in Columbia, SC where she is a professor at Benedict College and Vice-Chair of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network Board of Directors. She is an author, podcast host, TEDx Talks speaker, and sought-after facilitator on the topics of the diversity of thought, ally training, and value of lived and unique experiences.
Initially developed in 2019, the entrepreneur-in-residence program strives to offer access to seasoned, diverse entrepreneurial leaders with proven expertise, demonstrated success and the heart of a coach.
For questions, please contact Anika Thomas at 803-530-4621 or [email protected].
About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
