Laura Ritterbush | LEADERSHIP WICHITA
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
Working alongside those who do the job, day in and day out, is the best way to see things from their perspective and gain understanding of what changes may improve systems.
What do you do for fun or to recharge?
I love reading a great mystery that I can't put down! I also enjoy baking and just relaxing on the front porch with a cup of coffee.
How are you most likely to spend a weekend?
Visiting the farmers market or attending a community event, grocery shopping for the week ahead, walking the dog, holding babies in the church nursery and spending time with family. [On] some weekends, just relaxing with a good book or binge watching my favorite TV series.
What led you to this career?
I've always felt led to help people in some way and began with a focus on counseling in college. During undergraduate I was able to complete an internship working with individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness. I began to see a future in working with people with disabilities, specifically in assisting those most disenfranchised to connect to work opportunities. I became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and obtained my first job out of graduate school at a Goodwill in Indiana. I saw the powerful work that Goodwill organizations do across the country in employment and training, many times serving the most vulnerable populations. The work of Goodwill goes so much deeper than our thrift stores, which are a conduit for the important work we do in our communities.
What is the most important part of your work?
The most important part of my work as President & CEO is to ensure we are being good stewards of the resources entrusted to our organization through our donors and shoppers to provide the most impact for the community. This means ensuring our retail business is strong to not only provide quality jobs but also the revenue needed to support our education and training programs. I would be remiss to not say an equally important part of my work is involvement in our community to share about the important work of our mission services, which includes Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Life Skills training, Credential attainment, digital skills training, and working with individuals with disabilities on job skills and gaining employment. We are much more than a thrift store and sharing that message is an important part of my work.
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that is financially healthy and has the ability to commit resources in service those who are looking for a pathway to better their livelihood. I'm humbled daily by the work of our staff who help create a pathway and remove barriers for the individuals we serve.
What motivates you?
My motivation is two-fold - wanting the best for our employees to reach their fullest potential and ensuring we have the capacity to support those in our community who are seeking a better livelihood through skill development and employer connections.
What’s the last series you binge-watched?
FBI - goes along with my love for mysteries.
