Laurel Ridge Honors Cynthia Schneider as Distinguished Alumna of the Year

For Cynthia Schneider, returning to school wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about rebuilding her life.

On Friday, Laurel Ridge Community College named Schneider, Class of 2017, its 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year during the Educational Foundation Appreciation Luncheon, an event that brings together scholarship recipients and donors.

Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser (left) congratulates Cynthia Schneider, who holds her 2026 Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award.

Standing before the audience, Schneider shared a message shaped by her own journey: “Learning doesn’t have an expiration date.”

A New Chapter Begins

When Schneider enrolled at Laurel Ridge in 2014, she was at a crossroads.

“Twelve years ago, I was at one of the lowest points of my life,” she said.

At 57, her youngest child had just left home, leaving her struggling with a loss of identity after years focused on raising a family. At the same time, her 25-year career with a specialty food company—where she had worked her way up from part-time data entry clerk to director of operations—had come to an end.

“It shook my confidence to the core,” Schneider said. “I didn’t know what else I had to give. I wasn’t confident in my skillset.”

Though she had attended college years earlier, she lacked an accredited degree, making it difficult to move forward professionally. With grant funding, she decided to return to school.

“It was time for a new chapter, and that chapter began at Laurel Ridge,” she said.

Rediscovering Confidence

At Laurel Ridge, Schneider found more than education—she found direction.

“My classes challenged me and affirmed the abilities I had,” she said. “Laurel Ridge showed me that learning doesn’t have an expiration date, and that it’s never too late to begin again.”

She graduated in 2017 with an associate degree and a career studies certificate in business. Even before completing her studies, she secured a leadership role as director of finance and administration at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber.

Rising to Leadership

Schneider’s career continued to grow.

In 2019, she became CEO of the chamber, where she has helped guide regional business development and community initiatives.

Her work has earned statewide and national recognition. In 2024, she was named Chamber Executive of the Year by the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The following year, she earned the Certified Chamber Executive designation—an honor held by only about 3 percent of chamber professionals nationwide.

She also remains active in the community, serving on the Civitan International board, the Shenandoah University School of Business advisory board, and the Gold Medallion Foundation/School of Esther.

Giving Back and Moving Forward

Schneider continues to stay connected to Laurel Ridge, including participating in Workforce Solutions courses. Her connection to the college extends to her family as well, with two of her children having attended.

Her story, college officials said, reflects Laurel Ridge’s mission—to provide opportunities for students at every stage of life.

For Schneider, the lesson is simple but powerful.

No matter where life leads, it’s never too late to start again.