Women United Spotlight: Christine Rich
Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Christine Rich and her connection to Women United. If you would like to learn more about Women United and the work they do, click here.
What year did you join Women United?
2018
What is your professional background?
I graduated from University of Iowa with a Liberal Arts degree and for many years worked in the computer industry selling hardware. For five years after my children started school, I worked at Sedol as a teaching assistant. I am currently a RE/MAX Showcase Real Estate Agent.
What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?
I felt a need to volunteer more of my time to local organizations. After looking into a few different organizations, I attended a Wine and Learn to find out more about Women United. I was very impressed with the women and their commitment to the organization.
What does early childhood education mean to you?
Early childhood education is crucial to a children’s development. My youngest son, Matthew, who is currently a sophomore in high school, has struggled with reading and dyslexia since kindergarten. After a few years of school, we noticed that Matthew had started to fall behind in reading and comprehension. Unfortunately he wasn’t getting the help he needed in the school system. We turned to a few different reading specialists and private tutors during the elementary and intermediate school years to get him the support he needed. Sadly, I was told by some of Matt’s teachers that he was lazy and didn’t want to learn. I knew the problem wasn’t that Matthew was lazy, but rather that he just couldn’t read. In 7th grade, a friend gave me some great advice. She told me to have Matthew diagnosed by a neurologist. Matthew was diagnosed with Dyslexia and other reading disabilities. With a lot of research and help from the community, I found a wonderful program out of Lake Zurich for children with reading disorders and dyslexia. We started to see results with Matthew and his progress with reading. We also found an amazing tutor in Gurnee who currently works with Matthew. Reading is very important. I want to be able to help other children with similar reading issues succeed in school. Matthew still struggles everyday with this disability, but he’s a fighter, and with the tools he has learned, I know that he will do well.
What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?
I love the purpose, work and dedication of the women I have met in this organization.
What does Women United mean to you?
Women United means a group of women who are working together for a common result. I’m proud to be a part of this organization and hope in the future to meet all of you and find more time to volunteer with such a wonderful organization.
What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?
There something for everyone in this organization. It’s a great way to volunteer for a wonderful cause. Also, it’s a great way to meet other women in social opportunities.
Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on December 5, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.
Learn more about Women United here.
