Ruth-Naomi James was born in Charleston, SC, and grew up in Beaufort, where she learned
the power of community and connection. After graduating high school in 1999, she attended
Allen University before proudly serving four years in the U.S. Arm. She returned home to SC in
2007 after the birth of her son, Erik, and has since built a career defined by service, leadership,
and a passion for empowering others.
Ruth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Sociology from the
University of South Carolina Beaufort and a Master of Education in Community Engagement
from Merrimack College. She is also certified in Appreciative Inquiry, Insight Coaching, and
multiple leadership and family engagement frameworks.
Her professional journey spans roles as an educator, bookkeeper, Parent Liaison, Coordinator
of Community Initiatives, and most recently, Community Coordinator with the Military Child
Education Coalition. She has worked closely in school districts, community organizations, and
statewide networks to create intentional family engagement strategies and build sustainable
partnerships that uplift students and families.
Through her company, Ruth-Naomi Consulting, she aspires to help schools, nonprofits, and
organizations reimagine how they connect with families and communities. Known for her
warmth, strategic insight, and ability to make complex challenges manageable, Ruth equips
teams with actionable strategies and tools that foster resilience and long-term impact.
Her volunteerism mirrors her professional values—she has served on multiple banned book
review committees, been nominated for the prestigious Laurie Horne Family Engagement
Award, and currently serves on the Statewide Parent Advisory Council with Children’s Trust of
South Carolina.
When she’s not facilitating workshops or building partnerships, Ruth can be found cheering for
the Carolina Panthers, South Carolina Gamecocks, and SC Women’s Basketball, or watching
Marvel movies, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter marathons. She’s also a proud #CollegeMom
to her son Erik (Aggie Pride!) and a loving fur mom to Bellatrix.