Philadelphia Council

Labor Woman on God's Mission!

If you want the task done with competence, professionalism, positive attitude with lots of opinion and verve, just ask Janet Ryder. If you want information about educational issues or community programs, the “Labor to Neighbor” update or the how to’s of organizing and mobilizing people around their passions, just ask Janet Ryder. Janet Ryder is being recognized tonight for her tireless efforts benefiting working families in this region. She has been blessed with thirty-three years of professional work experiences that have afforded her the opportunity to meet world leaders, travel extensively representing organized labor, sit at the knee of women and men of distinction to be mentored and loved and finally, sharing her God given talent where its needed most.

Who would ever have thought that this North Philly girl would ever co-host a radio talk show whose prime aim is to provide comprehensive, accurate and relevant information to help working families? Her joy for helping others is directly linked to core family values. As a child, she walked up and down North Philadelphia row house blocks with her grandmother, the committee person, welcoming new neighbors and registering them to vote. While growing up in the 50’s, she attended segregated public schools where educators helped parents instill positive self-esteem and a real commitment for academic excellence in students. One of her first summer jobs was working with community leaders Austin Norris, Esq. and Gertrude Barnes to register first time voters in the community. After receiving both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Temple University, Janet began a varied career in public service. She often shares the fact that she loves her day-to-day work because no two days are ever the same and you have to be ready to deal with whatever challenge life brings you.

If it is true that one’s work life will include eight distinct careers, then Janet is at number seven and still going strong. Currently, she has a unique role that is a perfect fit for her. She is the Director of Labor Participation for both the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. In this role, she is fulfilling her life mission to be enabled to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people through her regular daily work and her active participation as chairperson of Career Link for the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, advisor for the Diversity Apprenticeship Program and other advocacy and issue driven public campaigns, board member for the St. Joseph University Comey Institute and Union Leadership Academy, providing learning opportunities for students of all ages, and co hosting Labor to Neighbor radio show heard weekly on WURD 900 AM. Her past positions include serving as the political director for both the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. She also served as the legal services fund administrator for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and initially entered the union as a teacher for the School district of Philadelphia where she worked at both Bryant Elementary and South Philadelphia High School. Every career change was done in the Spirit and it was always for the good!

Janet has been honored for her involvement and sustained commitment to many community initiatives during her career. They include; The American Federation of Teachers Black Caucus, The Philadelphia Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, United Way of Southeastern PA, African American Labor Leaders, Black Women’s Political Caucus, Top Ladies of Distinction, 2002 Black Women Movers and Shakers, the US Census Bureau, US Congressman Chaka Fattah and PA State Representative Louise Williams Bishop.

In addition the previously named boards, Janet is an officer of a few boards. She is vice - chairperson of the Philadelphia Parking Authority, First vice president of Omega Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., secretary of the Ellen Tyree Missionary Society, board member for The Coalition of Labor Union Women, and membership chairperson for the Council of Women Leaders. And in 2000, she was an elected delegate to the Democratic Convention representing constituents in the second Congressional district.

She is also an active member of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, the PA Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. and serves as a lecturer for The George Meany Labor College, numerous union and community organizations and willingly volunteers her time and talents to work on projects to benefit youth and working families.

Janet does have a personal side that she values tremendously. She is a member of St. Matthew AME Church and celebrates twenty-nine years of love and friendship with her life partner and anchor, Dr. Martin Ryder, founder and Chief Academic Officer of the World Communications Charter School. Martin and Janet are the proud parents of Jamil and Emily and try to serve as positive role models in the community.