Jessica Ruffin, Director
Office of Equity and Engagement
As the Director for the Office of Equity and Engagement for the Department of Human Services (ACDHS), Jessica Ruffin leads the department’s digital strategy/communications, equity, and community engagement efforts. This work is critical to DHS’s mission and commitment to ensuring individually tailored, seamless and holistic services to Allegheny County’s residents, particularly the county’s most vulnerable populations. These efforts include strategies to support the internal workforce in addition to working with providers on services delivered to the community.
Prior to joining ACDHS in 2018, Ruffin was the director of the Social Justice Institutes at Carlow University. Her responsibilities included the oversight of the Grace Ann Geibel Institute for Justice and Social Responsibility, and the Centers for Community-engaged Learning and Youth Media Advocacy. Ruffin has also held positions with several local organization including Coro / Public Allies Pittsburgh, Amachi Pittsburgh and YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. Ruffin serves on the board of the Hilltop Alliance, the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute of Gwen’s Girls, and the Board of Commissioners for PACE Pittsburgh.
Ruffin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and her MBA from Chatham University.