Ruslan Mirvis

Ruslán Mirvis was born on October 2, 1982, in Odesa, in what was then the Soviet Union, now part of Ukraine. In 1989, his parents made a life-changing decision to leave everything behind and immigrate to the United States in search of freedom and opportunity for their children. Their journey brought the family to Brooklyn.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Ruslán discovered two passions that shaped his early life: the discipline of martial arts and the creativity of cooking. He trained for years in Combat Sambo and Kali knife fighting, eventually earning 4th-degree black belts and receiving recognition for helping develop training programs.
But his greatest passion was always the kitchen.
While most teenagers were still trying to figure out their path, Ruslán already knew his. After school he watched cooking shows, studied cookbooks, and practiced techniques whenever he could. For birthdays he didn’t ask for toys—he asked for cookbooks and kitchen tools.
At just 17 years old he began working as a cook at Angelo's & Maxie's Steakhouse. The demanding restaurant culture of New York City pushed him to work harder than ever. He trained in restaurants and bakeries across the city, learning from talented chefs and investing every paycheck into private culinary lessons to improve his craft.
However, life took a painful turn in 2017 when Ruslán made decisions that caused real harm to victims, families, and the community. While he was struggling internally, he understands that personal pain can never justify hurting others.
Accepting responsibility for his actions became the most important step of his life.
While incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in Fort Dix, Ruslán committed himself to transformation. He completed more than 2,200 hours of educational and rehabilitative programming, including victim impact courses and personal development programs focused on accountability and growth.
He served as a suicide watch companion, helping individuals through some of the darkest moments of their lives, and worked as a recreation aide, where he received recognition for exemplary service.
Ruslán also pursued education, completing vocational training as a paralegal with studies in criminal and corporate law, along with certification as a Forensic Peer Reentry Specialist. Today he continues working toward becoming a community coach through Getting Out by Going In, a program dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and helping people rebuild their lives.
Ruslán believes that while the past cannot be erased, people can still dedicate their lives to growth, accountability, and service to others.
His mission is to help individuals who feel lost or defined by their worst mistakes find a path toward rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to their communities.
Sometimes the most powerful stories are not about people who never fall.
They are about those who fall, take responsibility, and spend the rest of their lives working to rise again.

If you would like to write to Ruslán:
Ruslán Mirvis
Register Number: 90101-053
Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix
PO Box 2000
Fort Dix, NJ 08640
USA