Jennifer Ruffin ’25

My first data science class at Wellesley—STAT 160—was also Dr. J’s first course as a Wellesley professor. After we met, I was in her office nearly every week: laughing, crying, debugging my linear regression code, or just sitting together. I think we needed each other—I needed her to believe in me as I stumbled through a major I wasn’t sure I could handle. She needed me as she made Wellesley her new home. I saw myself in her: another Black woman navigating spaces where we weren’t always expected, brilliant and kind, sharp and empathetic, with humor that carried us through challenges. Because of Dr. J, I felt ready for my first job, walked across the graduation stage confidently, and now, proudly declare myself a woman in STEM. When I think of Wellesley and all it gave me, I think of Dr. J—not just a professor, but a friend for life.