COLLEGE OF

Education and Human Development

Rita Richardson

  • Pronouns: she, her

  • Senior Career Coach

Rita Richardson

Areas of interest

  • How overall wellbeing contributes to a career search
  • Fine-tuning a cover letter with vibrant language
  •  Dismantling systems of oppression in “professional” culture
  • Supporting fellow queer folks on their career journey
  • Coaching students to answer the question “tell me about yourself” proudly
  • Empower transfer students to share their transfer journey
  •  Connecting with students considering a change in major/college
Biography

I am from St. Paul, MN and have worked full time in a range of roles: non-profit case management helping folks who were incarcerated get jobs and back to school; managing a small local yoga studio; academic advising right here in CEHD and now career coaching students like you! I also started my own businesses as a cross stitch and embroidery artist and an event producer of yoga and music events in the Twin Cities!


“The mountains are calling and I must go” is a favorite quote of mine. I love hiking, but especially in the mountains. Nature is my serene place - even watching a sunset in the city soothes my soul. Nature is a huge part of my holistic life and a critical part of my healing journey.


A bit of my college history: When I started as a first year at the U of M without really ever thinking about it I KNEW I was gonna be a teacher like my parents. After my first year of college and going through a really bad relationship I felt lost and uncertain. I transferred to MCTC downtown Minneapolis to get my Associates degree and ultimately fall in love with Sociology. I transferred once again to finish my undergraduate degree after 5 years of school (and proud of it) in Sociology. All to say, making a change is always worth it even when it is hard and scary.

Education and credentials: 

  • Master of Arts in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas
  •  Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from St. Catherine University
  •  Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community + Technical
    College

Strengths: Arranger | Woo | Communication | Positivity | Connectedness

Myers-Briggs: 
ENFP

Strong Interest Inventory Profile: Social | Artistic | Investigative


Fun Fact: I climbed my first mountain summit when I was 17 years old!


Zodiac Big Three: ♊Gemini Sun, ♑Capricorn Moon, ♏Scorpio Rising

#blacklivesmatter

Schedule an appointment with Rita