A 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran with a passion for helping others who have served our country with their transition to civilian life, Nina Ridgeway now guides servicemen and women through the necessary stages of their career development to obtain gainful employment.
Why this career? Serving the underrepresented, being part of the solution to fight poverty and contribute to family resiliency is why I stay in the field of workforce development.
Proudest professional achievements? Active-duty service in USAF and founding the Southern Nevada Community Engagement Board, a collaboration of 50 organizations working together to serve those who have served and their families.
Major career accomplishment? Assisting over 2,200 veterans and their families with job placement and providing aid to over 7,800 others with career development services through Goodwill’s Veteran Integration Program.
What have you learned during the COVID-19 pandemic? Our community comes together in times of trouble and hardship. I have seen its citizens risk their safety and security to ensure everyone is taken care of. Businesses and organizations came together to feed the hungry, the children, the homeless. COVID-19 has shown itself to be one of the most challenging times for our citizens, which includes my team. I learned that my instincts needed to face challenges that are still with me today. The team was able to transition all of our Career Center Services to online and virtual almost overnight.
Biggest inspiration? My kids—great, independent-thinking children, who, even though it is frustrating at times as a parent, have great values and are genuinely good kids!
Best advice received? “You know it’s time to move on when it, whatever it is, is no longer enjoyable.” I have never worked for an employer out of necessity, only out of passion for what I’m doing.
Advice to young women entering the workforce? Be open to learning new things. Always go beyond your job description. Do not allow someone else’s opinion to determine how you deal with a situation or person.