The Current Reign – Reign XXXVIII

The Imperial Court of New York is proud to Introduce; The Desert Siren Empress of Grace, Heart and Courage, Empress XXXVIII – Ruby Starling.

 

Ruby was born and raised in the southern desert of Israel, on the salty shore of the Dead-Sea, and moved to the USA to follow her dreams of self-improvement, growth, and personal fulfillment;  making New York her home away from home.

 

With passion for the Arts, Ruby studied Architecture and Interior Design in Tel-Aviv following two years of service in the Israeli Defense Force. During her time in the military, she developed strong discipline and organizational skills which have aided her tremendously in both her career in construction management and design as well as her charitable work.

 

Ruby was introduced to the Imperial Court of New York by her bestie Stacy in 2018. Since then, she has been a valuable and devoted member displaying unwavering support of the Court’s various outreach initiatives and fundraising activities. Ruby promotes inclusion and strives to advocate within the ICNY for the overlooked and frequently forgotten. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby saw the loneliness of older people and devised the ICNY’s Regal Notes program to provide an emotional boost to seniors confined to nursing homes and care facilities, and ease their social isolation. 

 

As a freelance photographer and the ICNY’s designated memory keeper, Ruby has captured millions of smiles and many hearts in and beyond the Imperial Court System. Moreover, Ruby continuously produces and hosts fundraising events for our most vulnerable and fragile community members. In addition, she travels frequently to represent New York at  various out-of-town events and celebrations.

 

Ruby has been a very active member of the ICNY Board of Directors from 2020-2023, she too has served as committee chair for our flagship fundraising event and has been and continues to be an integral part of the production team for Night of a Thousand Gowns. Her hard work, devotion and enthusiasm has never gone unnoticed; she has been a multiple time recipient of the President’s award and other noteworthy awards and accolades.

 

As an ally, advocate and activist of human rights, Ruby supports the entire LGBTQIA+ community by maintaining a supportive and accepting environment where everyone feels safe and welcomed. She is passionate about working with our members and beneficiaries to raise much needed funds to support the community. Ruby strongly believes leadership is a choice, not a rank, and holds in high esteem all past monarchs and our members. She is very excited and passionate about honoring ICNY traditions and developing new opportunities in the coming year.

 

Ruby married her husband Tyler in 2013 and is incredibly fortunate to have his full support as she devotes the next twelve months to those less fortunate within the LGBTQIA+ community, various fundraising activities and charitable organizations including some much-loved and respected canine charity groups throughout New York City where her revered French Bulldogs are equally respected and cherished.

 

Ruby’s goals for next year will focus on advancing the mission of the Imperial Court of New York and its outreach programs including, but not limited to, Hearts and Voices. She is devoted to continuing to develop extensions to the existing programs to continued growth. 

 

To quote one of Ruby’s favorite quotes by Hellen Keller, and one she aims to live by: 

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”