Meet Camille Ridley

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Camille Ridley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Camille below.

Camille, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Growing up as the only person of color in my class and one of just three in my high school in Empire and Clear Creek County shaped me in profound ways. I was surrounded by a lack of diversity from a young age, and that reality taught me to embrace my identity, even when it set me apart. With a German-white mother and Black father, I learned early on that my strength lies in my ability to navigate different worlds while remaining true to who I am.

Being the only one in the room who looks like me hasn’t always been easy, but it’s equipped me with resilience, adaptability, and a unique perspective. I’ve learned to channel feelings of being “different” into opportunities to build bridges and foster understanding. In my nonprofit career, these skills have been invaluable. They’ve allowed me to advocate for inclusion, speak truth to power, and ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but valued.

Success in these spaces requires authenticity and confidence. I’ve embraced the power of storytelling—sharing my experiences to connect with others and shed light on perspectives they may not have considered. I also lean on a strong sense of purpose, knowing that my presence and contributions matter, even if I’m the only one in the room who looks like me.

Ultimately, I’ve come to see being “different” not as a disadvantage, but as a powerful tool to create change and inspire others to find strength in their own identities.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a nonprofit leader and advocate passionate about creating meaningful change and building communities celebrating inclusion and diversity. Beyond my professional work, I’m also a proud mother to my two incredible children, Malina and Nico, who inspire me daily. My love for the outdoors—paddle boarding, yoga, walking, climbing, and traveling—nationally and internationally—fuels my creativity and keeps me grounded.

What’s most exciting about my work is the opportunity to connect with people and hear their stories. Each day, I collaborate with individuals and teams making an impact in the disability community through innovative programs, events, or advocacy efforts. Seeing those initiatives come to life and positively impact lives is enriching.

Currently, I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments. We’re gearing up for our annual Breakfast with Accessible Santa and the 2nd Annual United for Autism and Cerebral Palsy Basketball Clinic with Steven Hunter and the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center. These events create beautiful experiences for families while promoting inclusivity for United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona families.

What I want people to know about my work is that it’s driven by passion and purpose. It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Whether through our events, programs, or daily advocacy, I’m committed to fostering connection, equity, and empowerment.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and empathy. Each of these has played a crucial role in helping me navigate challenges, build connections, and grow both personally and professionally.

Resilience has been essential in facing adversity. Growing up as one of the only person of color in my community, I learned early on to stand strong in the face of challenges and hold true to who I am. Resilience is something I continue to rely on when leading through change or tackling obstacles in my career. My advice to others is to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and to build a support system of people who believe in you and your potential.

Adaptability has allowed me to thrive in ever-changing environments, whether it’s navigating diverse roles in the nonprofit sector or balancing life as a mother and professional. The world is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt with curiosity and openness is a skill that will serve anyone well. I encourage those starting their journey to seek out new experiences and remain open to learning—flexibility is a strength that will take you far.

Empathy has been the cornerstone of building meaningful relationships. Understanding and valuing others’ perspectives has been critical in my work advocating for inclusion and empowering individuals with disabilities. For anyone developing this skill, I suggest practicing active listening and seeking out experiences that broaden your worldview. Empathy not only strengthens relationships but also helps create positive, lasting change.
To those early in their journey: trust the process and lean into opportunities to grow. Every step, even the challenging ones, brings valuable lessons. Stay true to your values, invest in personal and professional development, and never underestimate the power of authenticity and connection.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I always want to connect with individuals and organizations passionate about advocating for and empowering individuals with disabilities. Collaboration is key to creating meaningful change, and I’m particularly interested in partnering with people committed to advancing opportunities in areas like accessibility, inclusion, and equity.

I’m incredibly inspired by efforts to pass legislation that removes barriers and enables individuals with disabilities to travel, work, and live their lives to the fullest—free from unnecessary adversity. Whether through policy advocacy, community initiatives, or innovative programs, I believe that together, we can create a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

If you share this vision and are interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to make a difference. Feel free to contact me directly at cridley@ucpofcentralaz.org, 480-216-3557 or https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilleridley. Together, we can drive change and create opportunities for all.

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