Katherine Ruffing was born and raised in Briarcliff Manor, New York. In 2013, she graduated from Yale University with a dual degree in English and linguistics. Most recently, Katie spent two years at Cornerstone Research, an industry-leading economic consulting firm where she helped analyze economic issues implicated in corporate litigation. There, she served as the co-director of her office’s corporate responsibility and outreach program and helped pioneer a pro bono data analysis collaboration with economic development organizations. During her time in New York, Katie volunteered at a syringe exchange and community harm-reduction center. Throughout college, Katie worked as a community health educator, a peer mental health counselor, a residential advisor, and the first aid director for Yale’s hiking orientation program. She loves traveling, picking up new languages, and listening to country music.