Meet Ruthie Weatherly, our very impressive and very deserving Milwaukeean of the Week. Check out the entire Q&A with her below!
Are there any stories from your youth that defined the path to where you are now?
I grew up in the 80’s, and I remember how much we talked (prayed) about the Ethiopian famine at that time. It shaped the way that I looked at the world- global problems- and how much I wanted to be part of solutions. In high school, I was able to take local community college classes in medical terminology, healthcare, and CNA school, and was able to leave class to go to work at a local hospital.
Where and what did you study at UW Oshkosh?
I was immediately attracted to the field of Nursing. I went to UW Oshkosh (class of 2006) for Nursing but changed my major after an internship at ARCW in Green Bay. I had the opportunity to mix some nursing skills with HIV/STD Prevention/Education/Testing, and that’s when I knew I had found my path in Public Health.
After college, I served in the Peace Corps doing HIV education. After returning to the States, I have remained in the HIV/STD field ever since, at both non-profits and in government services.
What do you do for work?
I’m a Public Health Consultant (expertise in HIV and STD’s), and current Clinic Manager of BESTD Clinic.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey?
I grew up in a Christian fundamentalist environment, and immediately rebelled against everything- including the idea that only certain people “deserved” help and that it was contingent upon factors related to religion (morality, patriarchy).
I tend to gravitate towards working with folks who are undervalued in our current society. Of course, a lot of my formative years were in the height of the HIV epidemic and the war on drugs era. I had a particular interest in medicine and healthcare- coupled with an internship working with injection drug users around Harm reduction, HIV and Hep C prevention and testing – I knew I had found my path in Public Health.
You meet people where they are and provide vital services without it being tied to any quid pro quo or expectations of change on a prescribed timeline is important to me.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
- Volunteered at BESTD Clinic from 2009-2020 before being hired as Clinic Manager
- Volunteers every Wednesday at the local WHS Low Cost spay/neuter, cleaning and sterilizing surgical equipment (2022-present)
- Sits on the City of Milwaukee Health Department Board of Health (2019-present)
- She is a neonate/kitten foster through the Urban Cat Coalition, and traps feral cats for TNR (2000-present)
- Brady Street Neighborhood Board (2016-2021)
- WPHA/WALHDAB policy and advocacy committee (2021-present)
- While living elsewhere, she was also involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
I’m passionate about work related to Harm Reduction, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, access to affordable healthcare, sexual health education/prevention services, and ending the war on drugs.
I try to show up culturally humble and speak up for things that I find important. Getting involved civically and for causes that do not benefit you directly is something I think everyone has a responsibility to be part of. Go out and find a way to give back- big or small- we all have time to do something to help other people or animals. Get involved! Get out of your comfort zone.
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has so much to do, so much to see and few of the annoyances like traffic. The food here is incredible and there is so much to do outdoors. I feel lucky to be along the lake and live in a vibrant and diverse community. I love living in Milwaukee.
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
More public transportation options. More community activities and ways for people to be connected via their neighborhoods and shared values. Focus on maintaining and supporting our environment and sustainability. More diversity and inclusion. More public health infrastructure investment. More dog parks!
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
I have 2 dog children named Max and Moose that I am obsessed with, and a whole bunch of foster kittens that come and go each year. My husband Kyle, is a great foster helper too! We love to travel. My phone has too many pictures on it, my favorite drink is a Moscow Mule, and my laundry is always in need of getting folded.I love to puzzle and yes, I completed an Ironman.
We want to be Ruthie when we grow up.