Ruby Mo Mo
Founder of MYTTA · Lawyer · Author · Entrepreneur · Gemologist · Philanthropist
Ruby Mo Mo is the founder of MYTTA and a multifaceted leader whose life journey spans law, business, literature, and humanitarian service. From her early legal work in Myanmar to her business ventures in the United States and the founding of MYTTA, her path reflects resilience, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to serving others.
At a Glance
BORN
July 7, 1959 · Singu, central
Myanmar
BUSINESS VENTURES
Author; Lawyer; Gemologist; Grocery business; Sushi business
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science; Higher Grade Pleadership (1984);High Court lawyer (1987)
WRITING
Over 200 articles and a bilingual gemstones book in Burmese and English
ROLES
Founder of MYTTA, Lawyer, Author, Entrepreneur, Gemologist, Philanthropist
IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Assisted Myanmar immigrants and asylum seekers with U.S. law firms; visited detention centers in Texas
NONPROFIT WORK
Founded MYTTA Inc. in 2019 for legal guidance, education, and community well-being
Early Life and Education
Ruby Mo Mo, born on July 7, 1959, in Singu, a small town in central Myanmar, is the third of nine children born to U Thaung Sein and Daw Aye Kyi, who were engaged in the local lumber trade.
She completed her high school education in 1974 with distinctions in Mathematics and Biology and continued her studies at Mandalay University in 1975, majoring in Chemistry. In 1979, she married her classmate and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1980. Soon after, she began her life as a young mother with the birth of her first daughter.
Resilience and Early Career
Following her husband’s assignment, she relocated to Meiktila, where she worked as a high school substitute teacher in a nearby village for two years. During this time, she endured extreme hardships, traveling daily across remote fields with her infant child in her arms, even in dangerous conditions. Without the support of her parents, who disapproved of her marriage, she faced the challenges of early motherhood independently.
In her limited free time, she taught herself tailoring and opened a small flower shop, providing additional income for her family. Despite raising two young daughters and managing multiple responsibilities, she remained committed to her education. Through perseverance and discipline, she earned her Higher Grade Pleadership in 1984 and became a High Court lawyer in 1987.
Legal Career in Myanmar
As a High Court lawyer since 1987, she focused on serious criminal and murder cases, dedicating her career to defending those without access to legal representation. She frequently handled death penalty cases and, through her courage and determination, saved many innocent lives.
While practicing in Sittwe, Maungdaw, and Buthidaung in Rakhine State, she faced repeated death threats and life-threatening situations. Nevertheless, she remained unwavering in her pursuit of justice, emerging as a highly capable and respected lawyer.
Gemstone and Business Ventures
A turning point in her life came when she traveled to Mogok to represent a case. After winning, her client gifted her a ruby ring as a token of gratitude. This moment sparked her interest in gemstones. Coupled with a discouraging remark from an acquaintance regarding her financial limitations, she made a bold decision to redefine her path.
In 1990, she founded a jewelry business in Yangon. Despite Myanmar’s strict economic restrictions, she became one of only three Myanmar entrepreneurs selected to attend an international jewelry exhibition during the country’s re-entry into the global market. From 1996 to 2000, as a member of the Myanmar Trade and Business Association, she actively participated in international jewelry shows.
In 2004, she established a jewelry business and opened her first store in New York City. In 2017, she expanded by opening a second location in Los Angeles, California. In 2010, she also entered the grocery business by acquiring three stores in upstate New York.
Writing and Publications
Following her divorce in 1997, she began writing under the pen name “Ruby Mo Mo.” Writing became both a creative outlet and a platform to share her experiences. Drawing from her extensive travels and life challenges, she authored over 200 articles published in prominent magazines and periodicals.
She also published a bilingual book on gemstones in Burmese and English, further expanding her influence across literature and education.
Immigration Assistance and Legal Advocacy in the United States
She first visited the United States in 2000 and later made the life-changing decision to settle there for the future of her daughters. Leveraging her legal background, she collaborated with American law firms starting in 2005 to provide legal assistance to Myanmar immigrants and asylum seekers.
Her services were widely promoted within the Myanmar community, and she also visited detention centers in Texas to support and encourage detained individuals during difficult times. In 2011, she organized a legal seminar in Nay Pyi Taw in collaboration with New York-based lawyers, contributing legal insights toward the development of international investment law in Myanmar.
Spiritual and Community Service
Deeply rooted in spiritual values, Ruby Mo Mo has actively promoted Buddhist teachings. She has invited respected monks from Myanmar and abroad to the United States, hosted religious ceremonies, and organized Vipassana meditation classes regularly since 2017.
She has also visited prominent Buddhist centers across the country to deepen her understanding of Theravada Buddhism, integrating spiritual service into her broader community work.
Founding of MYTTA
In 2019, she founded MYTTA Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to humanitarian service. “Mytta,” meaning loving-kindness, reflects both her spiritual foundation and her vision for community impact. The organization is built upon three core missions:
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Providing free legal guidance and affordable immigration services to Myanmar communities
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Supporting education for underprivileged students
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Promoting inner peace and well-being through the practice of loving-kindness and Buddhist teachings
Legacy and Mission
Today, Ruby Mo Mo continues to serve her community while nurturing future generations. Her journey, from a young mother facing adversity to a respected lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, stands as a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and purpose.
She continues to inspire lives across borders while building a legacy grounded in compassion and service.