“I like to think of myself a “maker of space” for others to do their work. I like to solve problems and help others avoid conflict (i.e. identifying obstacles and clearing a path for progress) so that they can create and make what they would like.” -Cheryl A.
FabNewport is very excited to welcome Cheryl Allen-Ricciardi to our Board of Directors.
Cheryl is litigation counsel for Thermo Fisher Scientific. She earned her BA from Brown University a JD from Fordham University Law School in New York. She is licensed to practice law in the states of New York, Rhode Island, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Cheryl also serves on the PTO board at her son’s elementary school.
Enjoy!
It is imperative for us to learn from each one of our members. How would you describe your journey?
My professional journey has been fairly traditional thus far in that I’ve followed a typical law school to law firm to in-house trajectory. However, as I’ve moved from large New York law firm to regional New England firm to an in-house position with a major company, I’ve placed an ever-increasing emphasis on matching my intellectual interests with my desire to be present for my family and community.
I began my undergraduate career in the sciences (I wanted to be a biochemist!) but then pivoted to an international relations degree. At first, I thought my legal career would center around my ability to communicate with different people, cultures, and ideas – a skill I learned during the course of my international relations studies – and shy away from the sciences. Yet, in my current role, I get to deploy my legal training, reconnect with my interest in the sciences, and communicate with colleagues around the globe. Each step of my journey has been a step toward uniting my interests and goals.
What’s your connection with FabNewport? Based on our hands-on learning. How do you see yourself as a maker?
I’m new to FABx but am thrilled to be joining at an exciting time. My creativity tends to come in the form of dance and movement. I formerly choreographed dances for myself and others. I don’t choreograph pr perform so much anymore (aside from dance parties with my children) but I will always appreciate and enjoy the performing arts. Now, I like to think of myself a “maker of space” for others to do their work. I like to solve problems and help others avoid conflict (i.e. identifying obstacles and clearing a path for progress) so that they can create and make what they would like.
What are you bringing to FabNewport?
As a lawyer, a litigator in particular, I hope to bring a critical eye to business decisions with a goal of minimizing legal risk and exposure to the organization. As a parent to two young children, I hope to encourage the type of growth in programing I believe my children would like to see and utilize.
What are you looking forward to and hope to see as the future of FabNewport?
I hope the scope of the organization expands beyond Providence and Newport. There are children, educators, and families throughout the state who could benefit from the services FABx is and will be providing.
