For more than two decades, Ruby Dalvina has dedicated her life to humanitarian service, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy, guided by a deep belief in compassion, dignity, and meaningful change. From working with street children in her early twenties to leading outreach, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives today, her journey reflects a commitment to uplifting others and creating lasting impact. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, emotional burdens, and the slow pace of change, Ruby has remained steadfast in her mission, drawing strength from faith, resilience, and human connection. Through her work and personal experiences, she has come to believe that true success is measured not by recognition or achievement, but by the kindness, hope, and positive influence we leave in the lives of others.

Here is the Q&A session we had with Ruby Dalvina.

Ruby Dalvina As Cover Story Interview – June 2026 Magazine Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

Ruby Dalvina is a Canadian-based humanitarian, nonprofit leader, writer, speaker, and community advocate whose life has been dedicated to serving others. For more than two decades, she has been involved in humanitarian, faith-based, and community initiatives both locally and internationally, walking alongside communities and organizations to support meaningful and lasting change. Holding a Master’s degree in Theology, Ruby’s journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to compassion, service, and human dignity. At the age of twenty, she began working with street children through teaching, mentorship, biblical education, advocacy, and simply spending time with them through friendship and play. Those years remain among the most cherished and transformative experiences of her life. Today, Ruby continues to serve through various nonprofit leadership and community engagement roles, including Director of Outreach and Engagement at Planet Watch, Fundraising and Media Lead for Repair Café Willowdale, and supporting humanitarian organizations through storytelling, communications, and advocacy. Her work has been recognized through several leadership and inspiring women awards and has been featured in multiple newspapers. Above all, Ruby believes that true success is not measured by titles or recognition, but by the positive impact we leave in the lives of others.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

Like many people, my journey has included seasons of uncertainty, disappointment, and personal challenges. Humanitarian and community work often places you face to face with poverty, injustice, suffering, and stories that stay with you long after you leave. One of the greatest challenges has been learning to continue serving even when the results are not immediate or visible. There are moments when resources are limited, doors close unexpectedly, or the needs seem far greater than what one person can offer. At times, I have also experienced the loneliness that can come with carrying responsibilities and advocating for causes that matter deeply. However, every challenge has strengthened my faith, resilience, and compassion. The hardships have taught me that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact, and that hope is often found in perseverance.

What do people usually not know about you?

Many people know me through my community work and leadership roles, but what they may not know is that some of my most meaningful experiences happened away from public recognition. The years I spent working with street children in my early twenties remain among the most significant moments of my life. Recently, one of those young boys—now a grown man—reached out to me after many years. He remembered our time together and expressed his gratitude. It was a deeply moving moment that reminded me that we never truly know how our presence, encouragement, or kindness may influence someone’s life. Those experiences taught me that relationships matter more than recognition and that the greatest rewards are often the ones that cannot be measured.

What sets you apart from others?

I do not often think in terms of what sets me apart from others because I believe every person has unique gifts and a meaningful purpose. If there is one thing that has guided my journey, it is a genuine desire to serve people and help them recognize their value and potential. Whether through humanitarian work, community engagement, writing, fundraising, advocacy, or simply listening to someone’s story, I try to approach people with compassion, respect, and humility. I believe leadership is not about being in front; it is about lifting others up, creating opportunities for them to thrive, and using whatever influence we have to make a positive difference.

What are your upcoming major events?

I continue to be involved in several community and nonprofit initiatives that focus on humanitarian impact, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and fundraising efforts. In the coming months, I look forward to participating in community events, speaking engagements, collaborative nonprofit projects, and initiatives that bring people together to serve and support one another. I am also honoured to be involved in an upcoming project in collaboration with a member of a Royal Family in the United Arab Emirates. While I am not yet able to share specific details, it is a meaningful initiative that I hope will create a positive impact and further opportunities for service. More than any specific event, I am excited about continuing to support causes that improve lives and inspire people to become active contributors within their communities.

What expert advice would you like to give?

I would hesitate to call myself an expert because I am still learning every day from the people and communities I serve. If there is one lesson life has taught me, it is that kindness is never wasted. We live in a world that often measures success by achievements, status, or recognition, but I see it differently. I believe that if you are a kind and forgiving person, you have already won in life. Life is not always going to be easy, but it can be meaningful and peaceful. The way we treat people, the grace we extend, and the compassion we show often leave a far greater legacy than any award or accomplishment. Serve where you are, value people, remain humble, and never underestimate the difference one act of kindness can make.

The Quiet Things That Remain

There was a time
when I thought changing the world
meant doing something extraordinary.

Years later,
after meeting countless people,
hearing their stories,
sharing their joys and heartbreaks,
I see things differently.

The moments that stay with me
are not the big moments at all.

They are the quiet ones.

A child who smiled despite having so little.

A hand that reached for mine in trust.

A conversation that brought comfort
when there were no easy answers.

A life that crossed mine for only a short while,
yet left a lasting mark on my heart.

Not long ago,
someone I had known as a child
found me again after many years.

He remembered our time together.
He remembered being seen.
He remembered kindness.

I stood there overwhelmed,
realizing that what seemed ordinary to me
had remained with him all these years.

In that moment,
I understood something beautiful:

We may forget the words we spoke.
We may forget the things we achieved.
The world may forget our names.

But love remembers.

Kindness remembers.

And somewhere,
in ways we may never fully know,
the good we leave behind
continues its journey long after us.

Your social media handles and website links?

• Instagram: @rubydalvina