Melissa Ridder, from Indianapolis, Ind., is the support team leader for the Hickory unit in FEMA Corps’ Class 20. This is her second term of service with FEMA Corps, a service track under the NCCC program. Last year she served as the field team leader for Hickory 5 at the Vinton campus. Melissa will be providing administrative support to the Hickory unit in addition to leading teams when needed.
“I chose to serve because serving others is a part of my being,” Melissa said. “I feel my best when I am serving others.” In addition to her passion for service, she brings a lot of experience to her team leader position. “I…spent the past 11 months serving with FEMA Corps, which has provided me with an opportunity to gain numerous skills as well as develop others, especially assisting with the management of a team.”
She graduated from Lawrence Central High School in 2000 and Purdue University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in art’s education and fine arts. After finishing her second service term she plans to explore opportunities that allow her to share her passion for service with others.
Prior to joining FEMA Corps, Melissa was a full time visual arts educator. She says, “I had the pleasure of sharing my love of the visual arts with K-12th grade students for five years, which allowed me to further develop my skill of teaching.”
Some fun facts about Melissa:
Q: What was your first job? Kennel worker at an animal hospital
Q: What song best describes you? “Move” by Mercy Me
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Vet
Q: What will be your first words of advice for your team members? “Remember why you serve”
Q: If you could have a super power, what would it be and why? Time traveling ability to have the opportunity to meet influential minds
Q: If you could come back as an animal which animal would it be and why? A butterfly because they are free and have the ability to fly
Q: Could you give us one reason to join FEMA Corps? To serve others
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