Meet Our Founder: Maria Williams

Hi I’m Maria Williams, M.A. Ed., founder of Ridea Works LLC. I began my career in purchasing, where I learned how systems work. While purchasing was my entry point, I quickly discovered that training was where I thrived. Helping people understand complex processes and move forward with clarity became my focus.

That focus led me into education and training leadership, facilitating adult learning programs, and later serving in roles focused on regulatory compliance and strategic procurement. Across these environments, I saw how confusion, missing information, and lack of structure created stress during moments that matter the most. Those experiences shaped the projects:

• Just Quit and Live grew out of my own struggle with misalignment in work and the desire to choose a more intentional path.
• The Black Folder Project grew from witnessing how difficult things become when death occurs and critical information is scattered or unavailable.
• Path 80 reflects my background in systems and my belief that people need clear pathways, not just information.
• Where’s Your Lipstick (WYL) grew from my relationship with my mother and reflects the belief that dignity, presence, and self expression matter at every stage of life.
• SEPA grew out of conversations with a close friend as we brainstormed what was truly needed in our community and how to create thoughtful, people centered solutions.

A cancer diagnosis in 2019 became a turning point that clarified my priorities and led me into health insurance and client advocacy. Today, I help people navigate Medicare, Marketplace, life insurance, and planning decisions that directly affect their stability and peace of mind. Ridea Works brings all of these experiences together to help people reflect, rebuild and rise. You can view my professional background by visiting my LinkedIn profile.

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