Ruth Leach Amonette facts for kids

Ruth Leach Amonette (September 24, 1916 – June 21, 2004) was an amazing American businesswoman, author, and teacher. She made history in 1943. She became the first female executive and vice president at IBM. This was a very big deal. At that time, very few women held high-level jobs in big companies in the US. Ruth was known across the country for her work in business and as a teacher.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in California

Ruth Leach was born in 1916. Her hometown was Oakland, California. She grew up with one sister. Ruth went to Piedmont High School. This school is in Piedmont, California.

College Years and First Jobs

In 1933, Ruth started college. She attended the University of California, Berkeley. She was part of a group called Kappa Kappa Gamma. While in college, she enjoyed playing tennis.

Ruth graduated in 1937. She earned a degree in political science. This is the study of how governments work. After college, she worked as a dental assistant. Later, she left that job. She went to work at the Golden Gate International Exposition. This was a big fair in San Francisco.

Working at IBM

Starting Her Career at IBM

Ruth Amonette began working at IBM in February 1939. Her first role was a Systems Service Representative. This meant she helped customers understand and use IBM products. She showed off IBM typewriters at the Golden Gate International Exposition.

She also trained in service system work for IBM. Then, she was sent to the IBM office in Atlanta, Georgia. In July 1940, she became a teacher for IBM. She taught at the United States Department of Education in Endicott, New York.

Becoming a Leader for Women

In October 1940, Ruth took on a new role. She became the Secretary of Education for Women for IBM. In this job, she trained women across IBM. She taught them how to sell IBM products. These training sessions happened all over North America.

Making History as Vice President

Ruth Amonette became vice president of IBM on November 16, 1943. This was a huge achievement! She said that Thomas J. Watson, the head of IBM, had the "vision and foresight" to hire her for such a high position.

This job made her one of the very few women in powerful business roles in the United States. She was also one of the youngest people in the country to hold such a high-level job.

In 1947, Ruth had to take time off from IBM. She was recovering from tuberculosis. She returned to work at IBM that same year. From 1947 to 1953, she served on many boards. These included the Camp Fire Girls and the New York Public Library. She also worked with the Professional Women's Club of New York and the American Association of University Women. In 1946, she was part of the New York State Women's Council. Ruth retired from IBM in 1953.

Later Life and Legacy

Life After IBM

After retiring, Ruth married Walter Bill Pollock in 1954. They lived near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ruth became a board member of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In 1956, she and Walter adopted a daughter.

Later, they moved to Switzerland. After that, they moved back to California. Walter Pollock passed away in 1977. Ruth married again in 1988. Her second husband was Wilbur K. Amonette.

Her Book and Passing

Ruth published her own life story in 1999. This type of book is called an autobiography. Ruth Amonette passed away in 2004. She died in Carmel, California.

Recognition and Awards

Ruth Leach Amonette received many awards for her achievements:

• 1945 - Outstanding American Woman of the Year, Women's National Press Club
• 1945 - Merit Award, Mademoiselle magazine
• 1946 - Achievement Award, Women's National Press Club
• 1996 - Induction into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, Women in Technology International