CHICAGO, IL, June 10, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Carolyn J. Ruff has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Ruff has established a distinguished career marked by dedication to education, technology and community advocacy. Most recently, she has served as a certified nursing assistant with Partners in Senior Care Inc. since 2006, providing compassionate care and support to seniors. Concurrently, since 2003, she has worked as an independent nail technician, utilizing her expertise in manicuring and client service. She also recently returned to modeling with a photo shoot and is currently in high demand as a mature model and actor.

Prior to these roles, Ms. Ruff retired from Evanston Township High School in 2003 after a twenty-three-year tenure. She began her career at the high school in 1978 as a computer operator and identification specialist, later advancing to the role of special staff computer specialist. In this capacity, she was responsible for generating information from various departments, managing student and faculty data and producing essential printouts such as progress reports. Her proficiency in identification card creation is widely recognized, reflecting her commitment to accuracy and security within the educational environment.

Additionally, she contributed as a part-time adult educator instructor during her time at the high school.

Ms. Ruff attended Evanston Township High School, graduating in 1966 and then took part in the Debutante Cotillion sponsored by the Northshore Twelve Inc., civil and social club in Evanston, Illinois. Ms. Ruff worked in computer services at Rotary International from 1968 to 1975. Earlier in her career, she was employed by Pioneer Press, a suburban newspaper organization known for producing newspapers and booklets. Her professional journey also includes experience as a professional model with Faces in San Francisco in 1988.

Ms. Ruff's commitment to advocacy is evident through her founding of Black Lives Matter Women of Faith in 2014 and her ongoing service as deputy registrar with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. In this role, she has registered more than 2,000 individuals to vote, demonstrating her dedication to civic engagement and empowerment. She served as a staff receptionist during Barack Obama's senatorial run in 2004.

Ms. Ruff's educational background includes earning a certificate in business from Harvard Business School in Chicago, Illinois. She further enhanced her skills by obtaining a certificate as a nail technician specialist, manicurist and pedicurist from Pivot Point International in 2004. Her academic achievements have provided a strong foundation for her multifaceted career and have supported her efforts in both technical and creative fields.

Throughout her life, Ms. Ruff has been deeply involved in civic activities and social justice initiatives. She is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright Jr., Emeritus Pastor. Her activism extends internationally as a donor and volunteer for African charities in 2023-2024 and she volunteered with and sponsored the Hyderabad, India Social Justice Workshop in 2025.

Ms. Ruff's activism is among her most notable accomplishments. She has traveled across the United States to support families affected by police brutality and has advocated for justice in high-profile cases, such as those involving George Floyd, Sonya Massey, Ahmaud Arbery, Laquan McDonald and Atatiana Jefferson. In 2020, she joined a team from Milwaukee to walk from Indiana to Washington, District of Columbia, commemorating the anniversary of the "I Have A Dream Speech." She is also an advocate for the homeless community.

Throughout her career, Ms. Ruff has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership and commitment to community advocacy. In 2024, she was named Community Activist of the Year in Nairobi, Kenya. She also received recognition from Evanston Township High School and the Evanston Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 2023. Earlier accolades include the Mark S. Allen Activist of the Year Award in 2022, Activist of the Year honors in both 2021 and 2017 and a trophy commemorating her humanitarian work in India.

Born in Warrenton, Georgia, Ms. Ruff moved to Evanston, Illinois with her grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Mae Ruff, after spending her early years picking cotton alongside her aunt, uncle and cousins. She attended kindergarten in Evanston, completing first and second grades in Georgia, and then returned to Evanston for third grade through high school.

Today in her personal life, Ms. Ruff enjoys dancing, exercising, and singing in the Women's Chorus at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. She sang at Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.'s homegoing service on March 6, 2026, at the House of Hope in Chicago, Illinois. She sang with the Rainbow Push civil rights choir from 2005 to 2015. She remains committed to uniting communities for positive change, regardless of race or background and encourages young people to vote as an essential step toward building a better future for all generations. Her advocacy is driven by solidarity with others rather than personal recognition or gain; a testament to her enduring impact on those around her.

At 78 years old, Ms. Ruff remains actively involved in advocacy and community activism. Guided by her strong faith in God, she encourages young people to never stop dreaming and to trust in God and keep the faith, which will lead them in the right direction. Her dedication to her beliefs has remained steadfast throughout her life, including in 2019, when she independently protested a business boycott and was briefly incarcerated for her action. Today, she continues to participate in marches and remains deeply committed to activism and social justice efforts.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #