Uncrowned Community Builders

Joan Ridley Willis is a retired Social Worker, School Administrator, and Community Activist. She was born in Newport News, Virginia to Hannibal William and Ruth (Spruill) Ridley. She attended the Stockbridge School and obtained a B.A. from the University of Toledo, an M.S.W. from Smith College School of Social Work, a C.A.S. from the State University of New York at Brockport, and completed advanced study at Smith College/Harvard University.

She married the Honorable Charles L. Willis (div) and has one son, Christopher Hannibal, and a stepdaughter, Lisa M. Willis.

Ms. Willis has worked as a caseworker, Monroe County Department of Social Services; Clinical Instructor, University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry; Consultant, Genesee Hospital Mental Health Center; Social Worker, Assistant Director and Supervising Director, Pupil Personnel Services; Supervising Director Student Equity and Placement; Supervising Director, Student Support Services/Special Education, Rochester City School District.

Her past and present professional affiliations include: Pi Gamma Mu National Honor Society; New York State School Social Workers; Association of Black Social Workers; National Association of Social Workers; Academy of Certified Social Workers; Monroe County Pupil Services Administrators; New York State Association of Pupil Personnel Administrators, President; National Association of Pupil Services Association; New York State Congress of School Administrators Organization, President; Certified Social Worker, New York State; and Phi Delta Kappa International.

Ms. Willis' past and present community affiliations include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Rochester Community Players; Legal Aid Society, Board of Directors; Rochester Children's Nursery, Board of Directors; Junior League of Rochester; Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; St. John's Home, Board of Directors; University of Rochester Medical Center, Board of Managers; YWCA, Board of Directors; Monroe County Board of Health, Chair Institutional Review, President; United Way; American Cancer Society; Grief Resource Network; United Nations Association of Rochester; and the Rochester Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.