Women Who Lead: Yvonne Reeder
Yvonne Reeder
Retired Energy Specialist, Duke Energy
President, Nicholtown Neighborhood Association
Neighborhood Coordinator, LiveWell Greenville
"Having lived in Greenville so long has afforded me the opportunity to not only experience the many changes in the community, but also to be an active participant," says Yvonne Reeder. And she has definitely been influential — hired in 1972 with Duke Power as the first African-American and female to work in the Electronic Meter Lab, then quickly moving up to Electronic Technician with the responsibility of metering installations. She returned to school in 1979 after the birth of her last child and earned two A.S. degrees in Marketing and Management while working full-time and raising three kids. Yvonne was promoted to the Duke Energy marketing department where she remained until her retirement in 2005 after 33 years of service.
Yvonne's love of helping people has inspired her community service, including: Commission for the Police/Fire Department Policy and Procedures, Red Cross, S.H.A.R.E., Rape Crisis, Greenville Literacy, Nicholtown Neighborhood Association, YWCA Dream Catchers, United Way, LiveWell Greenville and City of Greenville Master Bike Planning Committee among countless others.
"My success comes from my ability to allow people to be themselves without being judgmental. I like getting to know people from all walks of life to broaden my exposure." In her pursuit of being a better volunteer, Yvonne will complete three certifications — in Mental Health, Gerontology, and Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counseling — from Greenville Tech in May 2011. She hopes to apply this training directly to needs in her neighborhood. As a long-term goal, Yvonne wants to visit the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Redwood Forest. She has already achieved a life-long goal when in 2007 she appeared on The Price Is Right and won a car.
Yvonne hopes Greenville's future will include more bike and walking trails, as well as an increased collaboration between older and younger generations. She plans to continue to expand her volunteer efforts to promote happiness and fulfillment among Greenvillians. "I am responsible for my life, and if I want good things to happen to me, I need to do good things for others. The law of nature says you reap what you sow!"