A Purposeful Life: Honoring Ruby Maddox Published on June 19, 2025
Two years ago, I was looking for a trainer to work with the board of the Peace Development Fund on an organizational analysis when they were in town for their annual meeting. Our board is a group of mainly BIPOC social justice activists from around the country that don’t suffer fools. I knew that I needed someone authentic, committed to justice, and strong. Through my experience at Leadership Pioneer Valley, I’ve worked with many amazing trainers so I had a plethora of good options to explore.
As I was contemplating possibilities, I came across a list of grantees that included Gardening the Community (GTC) in Springfield. GTC’s founder, Ruby Maddox, was an alumna of LPV and a purpose trainer. She was the perfect pick for our board as a former grantee, community-driven leader, and gifted trainer. Not surprisingly, they loved her.That was the last time I saw Ruby, before being shocked and saddened to learn of her recent passing. I am still in disbelief over the news, as Ruby was only 45.
Ruby is one of those people who you notice before you meet. I remember meeting her for the first time at the kick-off event for the inaugural class of LPV in 2011 at the MassMutual Conference Center in Chicopee. She had a warm smile and humble manner in the midst of type-A leaders who were trying to stand out. After finishing the program, Ruby stayed involved with LPV as a coach, session organizer, speaker and trainer. She was always willing to help out and share herself with others.
Many folks at her memorial spoke about her community-service. Ruby was the founder of Gardening the Community, an organization in Springfield that engages youth in urban gardening, food justice, and urban agriculture. In 2016, she co-founded Leaders of the Free World which builds the leadership of young men of color through international travel to Ghana. Several young men spoke about the profound impact Ruby and LFW had on the trajectory of their lives. I remember when she formed the organization, I was in awe of her drive and ability to lead. I can’t help thinking about all the additional amazing things that won’t happen without Ruby in the world. I am comforted knowing that she has nurtured other leaders who will follow their own paths and build their communities in her legacy.
In an age of social media and people vying to be noticed, Ruby used her purpose to connect deeply and really see people. She took up space to further ideas, people, and communities and not necessarily herself.
In our current bewildering climate, many organization leaders and social justice advocates feel stuck. It is hard to know how to react to the seemingly endless onslaught on marginalized groups and their rights. We see funding for vital programs frozen or clawed back. It has me deeply thinking about how to move forward with purpose. Ruby modeled ways to fulfill our purpose and move thoughtfully with joy in a fragmented world. I am so grateful to have learned from her and known her.
written by PDF’s Director of Advancement and Communications for the AAPOV.
