Betty Jeanne has served as the Assistant Professor of Transformative Leadership at Starr King School for the Ministry in Oakland, CA, and now serves as one of its Research Scholars. She was seventeen years old when a conversation within the YRUU program sparked her lifelong dedication to antiracism, recognize the need for herself and her peers to drive social change, centering the leadership and needs of marginalized communities

Rueters-Ward’s commitment to the second principle of UUA, emphasizing "Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations," is woven throughout her professional journey. During her seminary studies, she played a pivotal role in launching Starr King’s Master of Arts in Social Change program. Her advocacy as a community organizer, campaign manager, and lay minister aligns with the core of this principle: While respecting and showing compassion to one another is crucial, achieving equity and justice requires collective effort and collaboration.