At the heart of Fontbonne is a community built on relationships, shared purpose, and a deep belief in the power of educating and empowering young women. For Maureen Ridings, Chief Advancement Officer at Fontbonne, those connections are what make her work so meaningful.

Now celebrating her first year at Fontbonne, Maureen shares what drew her to the school, what she loves most about Advancement, her excitement for Fontbonne’s future—and a few fun facts about life outside the office.

What is your role at Fontbonne?

I am the Chief Advancement Officer at Fontbonne, where I lead the Advancement team and oversee fundraising, alumnae and parent engagement, donor relations, communications, and strategic advancement initiatives.

How long have you been at Fontbonne?

I have been part of the Fontbonne community for one year, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have grown alongside this special school. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many generous alumnae, parents, grandparents, friends, faculty, and staff who believe so deeply in Fontbonne.

What inspired you to work at Fontbonne?

From my very first meeting with Maura Spignesi—one of the most mission-driven leaders I know—I was immediately drawn to Fontbonne.

I was inspired by the incredible sense of community, a school that believes so strongly in educating and empowering young women to be leaders, and the opportunity to connect with an extraordinary network of alumnae. I couldn’t wait for the offer letter to arrive!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people! My role is all about building relationships and hearing the stories of our alumnae and families. Every conversation reminds me of the profound impact Fontbonne has had on so many lives.

I also love being part of an outstanding team that is passionate, creative, and committed to taking Fontbonne to the next level.

What project or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m particularly proud of our ambitious plan to take every aspect of Advancement to the next level of excellence.

We worked hard over the summer months on a strategic plan to prepare Fontbonne for an exciting new chapter of fundraising and engagement initiatives. I’m proud that we are helping shape a remarkable future for Fontbonne and the outstanding alumnae we serve.

What do you hope people know about Advancement that they may not realize?

Advancement is so much more than fundraising. At its heart, it’s about relationships.



We connect alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends to the mission of Fontbonne and create opportunities for them to make a meaningful impact. Every gift tells a story, and every relationship matters.

What is your favorite Fontbonne tradition or event?

One of my favorite things about Fontbonne is seeing our community come together for events like Reunion and Gala celebrations, Baccalaureate, and Graduation.

There is something meaningful about watching our students celebrate how far they’ve come while surrounded by the people who have supported them along the way.

I also love opportunities to bring our alumnae back to Fontbonne and see the friendships and connections that remain strong long after graduation.

What advice would you give to someone new to Fontbonne?

Get involved! Fontbonne is a place where relationships really matter. Say yes to volunteer opportunities, connect with people, and don’t be afraid to bring your ideas forward. You never know where one conversation or one opportunity might lead.

How have you seen Fontbonne grow or change during your time here?

Fontbonne continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in its mission and charism. I’ve seen an incredible commitment to innovation, the student experience, and building a strong future for the school.

What is especially exciting is the energy around what comes next. We are not simply preserving Fontbonne’s legacy—we are building on it and imagining what is possible for the next generation.