Dr. Marilou Ryder
Changing the Conversation for Women & Girls
My Story

1995
Took my Long Beach principal's advice and became a middle school principal in Torrance USD. Loved every minute of it.

2005
Earned my doctorate, researched the gender divide and wrote
a book for women. Convinced more than ever that I could become a school CEO.

2006
After six grueling job interviews I became the first woman superintendent for Central Unified School District. Loved the job.

2010
Worked so hard at being a school superintendent, the city awarded me Top Ten Women of the Year.

2012
Retired and wrote a book to help others get a job in educational leadership. Was an Amazon Best Seller!

2013
Accepted a faculty position in the doctoral program for Brandman University. Awarded Faculty of the Year! Nice.

2014
Began speaking at Women's conferences on how to gain a position of leadership in a male driven society.

2018
Privileged to work with strong women on their dissertations related to women and leadership.

2020
Researched women and self-confidence and wrote another Sister Book with my Sister Jessica.

2015
Coauthored a book with a university colleague on how to keep your job once you get it!

2016
Began speaking professionally on the topic of women in leadership and the gender divide.

2019
Partner in Crime-My co-author and sister, Jessica Thompson. Together we interviewed hundreds of women on self confidence and personal power.

2019
Began researching women and aging and coauthored a book with my sister to navigate the topic of ageism.
2020
Excited to be interviewed for our Lipstick Book by the LA Times.