Reese Fernandez-Ruiz is a social entrepreneur, wife, mother, artist, and proponent of design for social change and sustainability. She co-founded and leads Rags2Riches, Inc. (R2R), a fashion and design house empowering community artisans from the Philippines. R2R provides a sustainable platform for Filipino artisans to improve their lives. Because of its innovative solution for poverty alleviation through design and trade, R2R is currently one of the most recognized social enterprise and lifestyle brands in the country. It has also been recognized by the Schwab Foundation, Business in Development Challenge, The World Economic Forum, CNN, BBC, and Vogue UK, among others.
For her work in social enterprise and sustainable development, Reese has also been recognized as a Rolex Young Laureate, Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum, the youngest awardee of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) and Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30.
Reese graduated with honors from Ateneo de Manila University with a bachelor’s degree in Management year 2007. She also completed certificate courses from Harvard University – Kennedy School of Government and Central Saint Martin’s in London.