Background and Expertise
Ruth Belay is an urban planner specializing in community engagement, urban redevelopment, and transit planning, with a particular focus on afrocentric approaches to planning. She has extensive experience working with Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area on issues related to community ownership, mentorship initiatives, and affordable housing. Ruth’s professional journey includes collaborations with various City of Toronto divisions and Provincial ministries. Her commitment to creating livable and thriving communities is evident in her dedication to working closely with residents to ensure that their places to live, play, and work meet their needs and aspirations.
Passion for Community Engagement
Ruth’s passion for community engagement stems from her desire to help people in a meaningful way. Although many associate the desire to help others with professions like medicine, Ruth has found her calling in urban planning. She is motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through her work. For Ruth, the core of her work is about assisting others and contributing positively to the communities she serves, aligning with her skills and personal approach.
Embracing Networking and Navigating Career Anxiety
Ruth offers valuable advice for those entering the field of urban planning and community engagement. She emphasizes the importance of networking and learning through conversations with people from various professions, communities, and lived experiences. Engaging with a diverse range of individuals can provide insights and knowledge that are crucial for professional growth and development.
Ruth also shares wisdom about managing anxiety related to career paths. She believes that worrying about finding the right job or whether a job will take you where you want to go can be exhausting. Instead, she advises investing in the journey and being present in the moment. By focusing on gaining skills and insights from current experiences, professionals can better navigate their career paths, which may differ from their initial expectations.
Valuing Experience and Driving Community Change
Reflecting on her journey, Ruth emphasizes the value of embracing the diverse experiences and insights gained from various professional roles. She believes that analyzing and extracting lessons from these experiences is key to building a fulfilling career. By focusing on the journey rather than fixating on future outcomes, professionals can better appreciate the skills and knowledge they acquire along the way.
One of Ruth’s most rewarding projects has been her involvement with Black Urbanism in Little Jamaica, particularly the introduction and launch of the land trust. This innovative initiative has been a significant learning experience for her and demonstrates the power of community-led efforts to drive positive change. Ruth looks forward to continuing her work on this project and other initiatives that promote community ownership and empowerment.
