A Letter From Ruthie

Dear Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well. As a friend and BJM partner, I’m sure you’ve been tracking the transition that we have been experiencing since early last year. Like many organizations, there’s been quite a bit of change within our ministry and with our team, and though not easy, transition is necessary and healthy for growth and expansion. I’m already seeing immense fruit at BJM on the heels of so much pivoting in 2020. Our team as a whole has never been stronger. Vision is sharp, and our times together are marked by passion, readiness, and fresh ideas.

With that in mind, I have an important announcement about my transition that I wanted to share with you directly. 

In September of this year, I will be transitioning out of my role as the Executive Director of Because Justice Matters. As I’m sure you can imagine, this was not a decision I have taken lightly or quickly. I founded BJM in 2008, and it has been my honor and joy to lead this ministry. From small beginnings offering manicures on a Tenderloin sidewalk, BJM has grown into an established ministry marked by a commitment to build pathways to brighter futures for women and girls. 

In early 2020, I sensed a nudge from the Spirit that my time as the Executive Director at BJM was coming to an end. A time of extended time of discernment followed, seeking wisdom from numerous mentors, friends, and my trusted direct supervisor at YWAM, Tim Svoboda. I took time to carefully observe my team, the future trajectory of the ministry, and also my own personal growth journey.

BJM is filled with exceptional female leaders and I feel excitement about releasing these women into their next level of ministry. Fresh vision was bubbling up, new ideas gaining momentum that I knew I was not called to lead. At the same time, my own dreams were growing and expanding. Preaching, coaching, writing, and other creative outlets increased, and I was intrigued by new possibilities to explore for myself and my family. Together, this all clearly pointed to the fact that my time in this role was over. 

I consider the BJM team my ministry family, a place where I feel deeply loved, supported, and encouraged. These women are the best you could ask for in a team, and I’m so thankful for their full support and blessing as I transition. In fact, due to this close relationship and with the full invitation of our leadership team, I plan to remain part of the BJM ministry in the role of Founder and Executive Coach, allowing the opportunity to support our new Director and future vision of BJM. 

It is with great joy that I announce that Gabby Alzate has accepted the role of Executive Director. Gabby has been part of BJM for more than ten years, and many of you know her well. Not only is she one of my dearest friends, but she is an exemplary leader who is well-respected and trusted by our team. Gabby carries the culture of BJM, is committed to live and serve in the Tenderloin long-term, and is overflowing with vision for the future. I couldn't have chosen a more suitable and qualified person for this role, and it’s an honor to endorse her in leading BJM forward. 

In the coming months, I will be working closely with Gabby and the team to make this transition as smooth as possible. Gabby will formally take on the title of Executive Director on September 1, 2021, at which time I will take a short break and then return to my new position in late Fall. As you can imagine, this is a massive shift for all of us, and aside from countless logistics, we are also working through a myriad of emotions. This is the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of something new and very exciting. I feel immense anticipation for what lies ahead, and hope that you will continue to partner with us in loving women and girls in San Francisco.

In the coming months, you can expect to hear more from me and Gabby. There will be opportunities to celebrate and mark this transition. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. 

With immense gratitude,

Ruthie Kim
Founder and Executive Director