A woman with short, dark red hair styled to one side, sitting on a modern black chair, smiling, wearing a white suit with gold heels, with a background featuring exposed brick wall and a vintage sign.

Ovietta Ruffin - Founder

Ovie is grounded in faith, purpose-driven leadership, intentional community building, and service. With a professional background spanning 20+ years in local government, including strategic planning, project management and leadership, Ovie brings a systems-level approach to community work, balancing vision with execution and care with accountability.

She holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University, a Masters in Public Administration from Louisiana State University, a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and is certified in Business Relationship Management. Throughout her career she has worked closely with organizations and cross-functional teams to develop strategic plans, guide complex initiatives, and lead collaborative efforts that center equity, sustainability, and long-term impact. Her experience in public service has shaped a leadership style rooted in listening, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep respect for the communities she serves.

The Mettle and Moxie Collective was founded at the intersection of strategy and heart. Ovie is committed to creating spaces where individuals can grow with intention, engage in meaningful dialogue, and take courageous action in service of the collective good. Her work reflects a belief that strong communities are built through clarity of purpose, shared responsibility, and a willingness to lead even when it feels uncomfortable.