This year for Women’s History Month, we hear from two members of our DEI department about their work and the women who have inspired it. This week, we talk to DEI policy and programs manager, CeCe Ridder (she/her).
What do you do at Metro?
I oversee a DEI portfolio that includes leading the regional impact team and managing staff who coordinate Construction Career Pathways, civic engagement capacity building grants, and the Committee on Racial Equity. I am also co-leading the overhaul of Metro’s racial equity framework, collaborating with various teams to
implement it across the organization’s projects. Additionally, I provide technical assistance, coaching and strategic advice to departments and venues, and I represent the DEI department on multiple internal and external committees.
The theme for Women’s History Month this year is, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.” Tell me about a woman who inspires your work as a public servant.
I draw inspiration from two incredible women in local government. After leaving my role as assistant VP at
a university, I joined a city in Washington County, overseeing public engagement, arts, events and services for our houseless neighbors. Two women reached out to me, eager to connect, and we soon formed a powerful triad of Black women in leadership. Over the next three years, we developed a countywide community engagement process, collaborating with community-based organizations. Together, we built a cohort dedicated to advancing equity. More than anything, these women empowered me to speak my truth, embrace courage in driving change and center racial equity. Through this journey, we also formed lifelong friendships.