Apr 9, 2026
Guests
- Cynthia Schneider — CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber; 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Laurel Ridge Community College
- Liv Heggoy — Associate Vice President of Development, Laurel Ridge Community College & Executive Director, Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation
- Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Public Relations & Special Events, Laurel Ridge Community College
Episode Summary
Host Janet Michael sits down with three guests to celebrate Cynthia Schneider's recognition as Laurel Ridge Community College's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The conversation covers Cynthia's winding career path, the transformative power of community college, and how it's never too late to start a new chapter.
Key Topics Covered
The Distinguished Alumni Award
- Awarded for over 40 years to community members who have distinguished themselves in their career and service
- Recipients are honored each year at the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation luncheon
- The luncheon brings together donors and scholarship recipients to celebrate the college's impact
Cynthia Schneider's Story
- Began college at James Madison University before transferring to an unaccredited college in Kansas to pursue her faith
- Built a 25-year career in specialty food manufacturing, rising from data entry to Director of Operations
- Found herself jobless at 57, newly empty-nested, facing one of the lowest points of her life
- Enrolled at Laurel Ridge through a grant opportunity — a turning point that rebuilt her confidence
- Landed at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as Director of Finance & Administration, eventually becoming CEO
- Reflects on learning to step out of the background and embrace a visible leadership role
The Laurel Ridge Difference
- A nurturing, intergenerational learning environment serving students ages 14–70
- Cynthia's memorable classroom moment: learning to take a photo of the board instead of writing notes — sitting next to her son's classmate
- Cynthia's daughter Sarah went from a 1.9 GPA in high school to the Dean's List at Laurel Ridge, then transferred to JMU via the guaranteed transfer program, earned her degree in Communications, and went on to complete a master's program
On Reinvention & Lifelong Learning
- Cynthia's message: at 69, she feels like she's "just starting"
- The value of community and mentorship in leadership
- Encouragement especially for women and those in midlife to embrace new opportunities
Quotes to Highlight
"Learning is lifelong — and she is such a wonderful example of someone who has just advanced so much in her career." — Liv Heggoy
"I would never have thought of myself as a distinguished leader. I'm better, more comfortable in the background." — Cynthia Schneider
"No one's path is straight. I've not met one single person here at the college that knew exactly what they were going to do." — Brandy Hawkins Boies
Resources & Links
- Distinguished Alumni nominations: laurelridge.edu/alumni
- Visit & registration info: laurelridge.edu/visit
- Fall 2026 credit class registration is now open
- Workforce & continuing education classes register year-round