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

Laurel Ridge Community College Distinguished Alumni Award: Cynthia Schneider