Ruma is no stranger to the real estate industry or entrepreneurship. Born and raised in New Jersey as a child of immigrants, she watched her parents found a successful mortgage brokerage - at a time when women and minorities in real estate were few and far between. Now, nearly 20 years later, Ruma has decided it is time to level the playing field when it comes to real estate ownership and investment. 

Graduating from New York University (NYU) in 2012 with a degree in History and Economics, Ruma immediately moved to Washington, D.C. to work as a paralegal at one of the top law firms nationally and internationally. Two years later, she moved back to New York City for law school.  After earning her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, she went on to practice real estate litigation at two prominent New York City law firms. While there, she worked with a various types of real estate clients: commercial landlords, tenants, hotel owners, and more. She has practiced in both state and federal court and has traveled internationally for high-stakes arbitrations. She is licensed in both New Jersey and New York.

Since practicing law, she has noticed the overwhelming majority of decision-makers when it comes to real estate ownership and investment are men. She has also noticed; however, the tides are changing: more women and minorities are beginning to delve into real estate. Still, the statistics are quite low and Ruma has made it her mission through Key Esquire to encourage, educate and advise these marginalized groups so they feel confident as they navigate the world of real estate ownership and investment.