What have you been doing since graduation?

I graduated from Western Michigan University in 1969 with a degree in education. I soon moved to Virginia and in order to teach had to take a few courses, including the History of Virginia. That was not possible at the time so I took a job with a lobbyist group that supported the cities, towns and counties of Virginia.

I took a break to raise my children and returned to the workforce while living in Georgia. I worked for a private school, as Admission Counselor, Director of Before and After School programs, Cafeteria Supervisor and primary substitute. After a move to Florida, I began a 18 year career as Director of Membership and Volunteer Services for the Girl Scouts. I became a master trainer for the Girl Scouts of the USA and the World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. Toward the end of my career I began writing on-line training for Girl Scout volunteers. After leaving the Girl Scouts, that interest in developing on-line training led me to developing and designing web sites which I currently do on a part time basis.

Tell us about yourself.

Married for 46 years to Doug Ridgway from Muskegon (separated for the last 13 years) with three children. Oldest daughter, Faye, is a public school teacher, married to Stan Hunt, currently in the 5th grade and mom of two, Lauren age 12 and Lucas, age 9.

My son, Matt, has worked at GE Aviation for 23 years, is married to Emalee and they are parents of 3 children, Elyse, 7, Julia, 5 and Austin (AJ) 3. Matt is an Ironman runner and enjoys running, biking, swimming. My youngest daughter, Katie, is a Risk Manager for Harford County Schools in Maryland and has two beautiful daughters, Anya, 6 and Mila, 3. My children and grandchildren are my pride and joy!

What do you end up doing in your spare time?

My spare time is spent as President of Food Pantry with my church serving over 2000 individuals monthly and Co-founder/VP of our Soup Kitchen. Also am chair of the church major fund raiser; a carnival with a full midway and food from the many ethnic groups from the church. I am also a member of the Parish Council and ICARE, an organization that works toward finding solutions to county-wide problems within the community, including restorative justice, homelessness, mental health and increasing reading scores in our school systems.

What did you want to be in High School?

Teaching was my passion and I wanted to be a teacher. However I ended up training board members and volunteer adults in the Girl Scouts. I also supervised the creation of programs for girls that would make them contributing members of society as they grew up.

Have you been honored for anything? Explain.

Thanks Badge from Girl Scouts of the USA for the work I did that was above and beyond in developing training for volunteers which helped them inspire girls to be contributing members of the community. Also for development of programs and training for girls to develop leadership skills in communication, financial independence, teamwork and project management.

What is on your Bucket List?

My bucket list includes traveling most anywhere but especially on a cruise to Alaska and travel to Hawaii.