Dr. Marilou Ryder, a former school superintendent, serves as Associate Professor of Education in the Ed.D program for Organizational Leadership at Brandman University, part of the Chapman University System. Marilou holds a master’s degree from Syracuse University and received her doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 1998. Active in dialogue on policy issues Dr. Ryder has worked with groups to promote women in leadership. Her leadership roles have included participation in educational women’s mentoring groups and serving as a board member for various educational foundations. In 2007, Dr. Ryder was named “Top Ten Business Professional Women of the Year” for her involvement in local community affairs. Dr. Ryder’s scholarly interests range widely, from the history of women in leadership to that of women and aging. Her dissertation entitled, “The Impact of Male Gender Dissonance on Women’s Potential Eligibility for Advancement to the Position of Superintendent” was later published as a popular book, entitled, The SeXX Factor: Breaking the Unwritten Codes that Sabotage Personal and Professional Lives, by New Horizon Press in 2003. She has written several books:
92 Tips from the Trenches
How to Win a Job in Educational Leadership
Don't Forget Your Sweater, Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Aging with Purpose and Humor
Don't Forget Your Lipstick Girl: Sister to Sister Secrets for Gaining Confidence, Courage and Power (Publication 2020).
An accomplished presenter, Dr. Ryder speaks extensively delivering lively and engaging presentations entitled (1) Boost Your Promotion Quotient, (2) Smart Interview Habits, (3) Gain the Competitive Edge, (4) Breaking the Unwritten Codes that Sabotage Personal and Professional Lives, and (5) The Wow Factor-Executive Presence for Women
Throughout her career, Dr. Ryder has been an energetic and determined advocate for women and is deeply committed to working with men and women to gain access to top leadership roles.