Images © Phil Butler
Working with our clients to deliver custom workshops and consulting is at the core of our business. Read what a few of our partners have to say:
Testimonials
I have worked with CeCe for almost four years in her capacity as a board member
and former chairperson of Beaverton’s Diversity Advisory Board. She is a
passionate, grounded, action-oriented leader who brings creativity and positivity to
the teams she works with.
CeCe is a skilled facilitator with a strong equity lens. She brings a straightforward
critique of systems and a skill in knowing how and when to ask the right questions.
She is an expert in managing diverse groups of people, clarifying goals and
challenges, and helping navigate complex decision-making. CeCe’s approach to
projects is collaborative and considers others’ perspectives before decisively
choosing a path forward.
CeCe has years of experience in various sectors, which is evident when you meet her
and observe the agility with which she builds relationships and advocates effectively
for change. She has a unique capacity to work both at the level of visioning and also
implementation, showing attention and willingness to get into the weeds of the
work.
CeCe has a great sense of humor and is a joy to work with. She brings her heart to
the work she engages in and leads by example. She is focused and dependable, and
exudes a humble confidence that lets you know you’re in good hands.
Alexis D. R. Ball, MSW Equity & Inclusion Manager
Cultural Inclusion Program | Office of the Mayor City of Beaverton, OR
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Ridder and Associates recognizes that it makes good business and organizational sense to strive for an inclusive and diverse environment. Dr. Ridder has been advocating and promoting diversity through dynamic training, teaching, and research for the five years I have professionally known her through my work as a public university administrator. Her work removing barriers to education access are well known. However, her work in staff development, student mentorship, and programmatic design are equally impressive. Staff, co-workers, faculty and community stakeholders have all benefited from her care and attention to detail within her diversity work.
My own experience from working with her has enriched my own understanding and professional development as an advocate for inclusive and diverse organizations. The information and training she provides is relevant, engaging, and draws on the strengths of not only the department as a whole but the individual as well. If you want result driven outcomes then look no further than Dr. Ridder.
Heather Mattioli, Racial Justice Community Advocate
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After serious consideration, Weber State University's Division of Student Affairs selected Dr. Ridder to be an external evaluator for its Center for Multicultural Excellence (CME). Given her expertise, commitment to diversity, and critical perspective on inclusive excellence, she was the perfect fit to assess one of the institution's oldest and most cherished programs.
Her keen attention to detail, her consideration of various nuances, and her constructive criticism allowed the CME's staff to engage in the process and to recommit to strengthening its core values, mission, and goals.
Dr. Ridder's personal and tactful approach gave everyone the confidence to speak candidly about their experiences in the CME. Along those lines, participants shared information that they would not have shared with anyone else about their own experiences and involvement.
Overall, Dr. Ridder provided a level of professionalism that was warm and inviting. She embraced the institutional culture and understood the many challenges that the CME faces on a daily basis. It is apparent she prepared well in advanced by researching the university, the Division of Student Affairs, Access and Diversity, and the CME.
Dr. Ridder is thoughtful, confident, and is masterful when it comes to tackling difficult topics and conversations. She is truly a gem. Some of her recommendations are being considered for implementation while others are already in effect.
The Division of Student Affairs at Weber State University, along with its Access and Diversity area, which houses the CME, are grateful for Dr. Ridder's disposition and approach. Because of her work, the institution looks forward to working with her in the future. Undoubtedly, her acumen, talent, and skills make her an asset on this field and we highly recommend her.
Dr. Enrique Romo, Executive Director for Access and Diversity
Partners