Believing in Yourself
Nithya Ruff reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, the strength in mentorship, and how open source fuels her passion for impact
I’ve always been inspired by women who humbly, yet boldly, shape the world around them. Nithya Ruff is one of those women. From her roots in India to leading Amazon's open source program office and serving as chair of the Linux Foundation's board, Nithya’s journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and purpose.
Nithya has continually lifted up and championed those around her, whether friend, mentor, advocate or sponsor. And she has been all of those to me over the course of my own journey. She has buoyed me during the toughest of times, and even introduced me to my husband, so sitting down with her for this discussion was a delight. Her wisdom, insights, and courage left an indelible mark on me, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
A Curved Path to Success
Success is rarely linear, and Nithya’s career exemplifies this truth. Coming to the U.S. from India 40 years ago, Nithya followed a path full of twists, pivotal decisions, and new opportunities, leading her to where she is today. One of the most pivotal moments was discovering open source in the late 1990s—a moment that forever changed her professional trajectory. Since then, Nithya’s journey has been about pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.
“None of our paths are straight ... it’s a curved path. What really excites me about the place I am today is that it’s challenging me intellectually, leveraging what I’ve learned all these years, and fulfilling my desire to be fully impactful.”
Planting the Seeds of Independence
Nithya’s journey is deeply rooted in the influence of her father, a man who instilled in her the values of independence and ambition from an early age. A forward-thinking engineer, he invited her to sit in on discussions about business and economics, breaking the traditional norms of the time by ensuring she was included in spaces usually reserved for men. He championed her pursuit of computer science, recognizing the future potential of technology long before it became mainstream. His belief that a woman should always stand on her own two feet, both financially and intellectually, became a driving force in Nithya’s life, shaping her choices and fueling her rise in the tech world.
“My father was a huge influence in my life … He impressed upon me very early on that a woman should stand on her own legs and not depend on anyone. One of the most important decisions I made, thanks to my father, was coming to the U.S. and pursuing computer science.”
The Power of Advocacy and Allies
Throughout her career, Nithya has been surrounded by powerful male allies, from her father in her earliest years to her husband, who supported her career while taking on the primary caregiver role. These advocates opened doors for her, helping her carve out a space in male-dominated industries like tech and open source. Nithya credits much of her success to these relationships, showing that advocacy from allies—both male and female—is essential to creating equal opportunities for all.
“Throughout history, men have been in positions of power... opening doors to women and giving them a chance to succeed is crucial. I didn’t know anything about being on a board until I joined a board, but if you’re not given that opportunity, it’s hard to know what it means to be a woman on a board and make an impact.”
She credits key figures who believed in her and mentored her along her path, including men who advocated for her at pivotal points in her journey. And she also speaks with deep appreciation for those who gave her professional opportunities, like Jim Zemlin, who invited her to serve on the board of the Linux Foundation, helping her grow and expand her impact.
“Being able to serve as an independent director representing the community really helped me grow tremendously these last 10 years.”
Finding Strength in a Support System
Nithya emphasizes the importance of a strong support system—made up of partners, friends, colleagues, and mentors—that provides us with the encouragement and resources we need to navigate challenges and grow in our careers. In addition to the crucial support and lessons she received from her father, she recognizes her husband’s unwavering support, which has enabled her to pursue her passions fully.
“Finding a partner in life who complements you, who supports you, who’s your cheerleader, who is there by your side through this journey, is so important. My husband has been there through thick and thin as one of my biggest supporters, which has allowed me to fully immerse myself in my work and be successful at what I do.”
Nithya underscores the importance of uplifting and supporting each other, and being part of a community that fosters resilience and shared success. Whether it’s the open source community, a South Asian women’s group, or professional networks like her board community, Nithya finds strength in the collective power of these connections.
Paying It Forward
Nithya believes in paying this forward by mentoring and uplifting others, and opening doors for those following in her footsteps, and sharing her hard-earned knowledge. For her, mentoring is not just a responsibility; it's a joy. Whether it’s through formal programs at work or informal conversations, Nithya is committed to ensuring that others, particularly women and people of color, have access to the same opportunities she did.
Balancing Family and Career
Like many working mothers, Nithya has faced the challenge of balancing a demanding career with raising a family. Her candid reflection on the guilt she once carried for missing family events, and the evolving relationship she shares with her daughters today, speaks to so many of us who struggle with similar feelings. Despite those early sacrifices, her relationship with her daughters has flourished, and today she takes great pride in their accomplishments and the bond they share.
“One of the things I’m proudest of is my relationship with my daughters. I was really happy when my oldest said, ‘Mom, you’ve more than made up for those earlier years.’”
Defining Success on Her Own Terms
As she looks back on her incredible career, Nithya’s definition of success has evolved. Once measured by promotions and recognition, she now views success as being fully utilized, making an impact, and finding happiness in her work and life. It's not about titles anymore; it's about living a meaningful life and lighting the way for others to do the same.
“Success used to be money, promotions, titles, recognition. Today, success is doing everything I can to be fully utilized, to make an impact, to do meaningful work, and to be happy with who I am and what I do.”
Trusting Yourself
Nithya’s advice to others is heartfelt and empowering. She urges women to trust in their own abilities, even when they’re filled with doubt, and to celebrate small victories that help build confidence. She is a big believer in speaking up for yourself—whether it’s asking for a promotion or seeking out new challenges—because, as she says, “people aren’t mind readers.” She encourages everyone to take control of their journey by expressing what they want. Her other key piece of advice is to stay resilient. When doors close or biases arise, Nithya believes in pushing through and not giving up, knowing that persistence is what leads to long-term success. Her words are a reminder that self-advocacy and resilience are essential tools on the path to fulfillment.
“Believing in yourself is important. As women, we often put ourselves last and suffer from not believing in our own capabilities. Sometimes it takes somebody else believing in us to then realize, ‘Oh, maybe there’s some truth to this—that I do have something to contribute.’”
You can learn more about Nithya’s work and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
Nithya’s story is one of courage, resilience, and relentless pursuit of purpose. Her ability to lead with both heart and conviction has inspired countless individuals, myself included. As I reflect on our conversation, I am reminded of the importance of paying it forward, supporting others, and staying true to the things that matter most. So, let’s all take a page from Nithya’s book: stand tall, advocate for others, and, most importantly, light the way for those coming up behind us.
