Dr. Marilou Ryder
Changing the Conversation for Women & Girls
My Story
1960
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As a ten-year-old girl, hoping to play little league baseball, I cut my hair off to look like a boy. It didn't work.
1968
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Attended Adelphi University near NYC. You were nobody if you weren't accepted into a sorority. Go Delta Gamma!
1971
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Married that guy right after college graduation. Love that all my sisters were in the wedding.
1995
Took my Long Beach principal's advice and became a middle school principal in Torrance USD. Loved every minute of it.
1963
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Knowing there was little chance I could play on a girl's basketball team I decided to join the cheer squad.
1969
Oh my look at that dress!
1977
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My one and only baby boy. Born after teaching for six years. Nice break
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.
1967
Two careers existed for women; teaching or nursing. While I wanted to become a hairdresser my father wanted me to go to college as he feared I wouldn't be able to find a husband.
1970
I disappointed my father by not finding this guy at college! What a keeper!
1986
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Moved to California and taught school in Long Beach. Had a woman principal who told me I could be one too!
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.
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.
2018
Privileged to work with strong women on their dissertations related to women and leadership.
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.
