Ruth Habte is an art advisor, entrepreneur, and global professional dedicated to the intersection
of profit with purpose. She is a graduate of McGill University with a degree in International
Development and Psychology, where her research focused on the mental health impacts of
cancer patients.
Ruth is the founder of Idget Art Advisory, a platform that connects contemporary African artists
with international collectors and institutions. Through Idget, she has supported emerging talent,
created opportunities for African artists to be recognized in Western markets, and worked to
shift global narratives about African art and culture.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Ruth has built a career in the corporate sector as a tech
sales consultant, with a strong focus on strategy, growth, and profitability. She previously served
as Director of Sponsorship for the Desautels African Business Initiative, where she collaborated
with government officials and industry leaders to secure funding and organized conferences and
panel discussions on business and development in Africa. Ruth also gained valuable nonprofit
experience as a Donor Relations Coordinator at McGill’s Bequests and Planned Gifts office.
Her professional and personal experiences are shaped by her international background, having
lived in Ethiopia, Dubai, Montreal, and now British Columbia. This global perspective informs
her commitment to building sustainable opportunities that bridge markets and communities
across borders.
At Fashion Fights Cancer, Ruth serves as an Art and Fundraising Advisor, bringing her
expertise at the intersection of business, art, and international development to advance the
organization’s mission of using creativity as a pathway to healing.