Ruth Spencer is a remarkable individual whose work and contributions have had a profound impact locally and globally, particularly in environmental sustainability, gender empowerment, and community development. Ruth has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of individuals and communities, with a deep commitment to voluntarism, service, and people-centred development. Guided by spiritual values of empathy and service, she consistently uplifts others, always listening and engaging with people in both public and private settings.
Ruth’s work has been pivotal to national development, particularly in empowering women and girls. She has strengthened more than 50 grassroots community organisations by securing funding for transformative projects, offering mentorship, and fostering partnerships. Her leadership in advancing the Escazú Agreement has helped ensure local communities have a voice in environmental decision-making.
Ruth serves on the UNCBD Women’s Caucus Advisory Board, the Daughters of the Earth Alliance, and the Board of Directors for the Yale International Alliance. She is also Chair of the Marine Ecosystems Protected Areas (MEPA) Trust, an Advisory Board Member for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a member of the Tropical Americas and Caribbean (TAC) Ocean Decade Task Force, and an Advisory Board Member of UN Women’s Civil Society Advisory Group for the Caribbean. In addition, she is Antigua’s liaison for the BBNJ Treaty and a member of the GEO-7 Intergovernmental and Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group of the United Nations Environment Program.
Through these roles, she actively shapes global environmental policy while ensuring that local voices, particularly those of women, are heard and respected. Her leadership continues to drive positive change in Antigua and Barbuda, contributing to national development while empowering women and girls to take active roles in shaping their futures.