Congratulations to Ridgefield's own Allison Stockel, Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse, who received the Women In Leadership Award from Boy Scouts of America Connecticut Yankee Council today for generously giving her time, energy and talents for the betterment of our community.
Introducing Stockel was her good friend and fellow philanthropic community member, Lori Berisford who spoke about Allison's selfless nature. Berisford said, "I am sure you have all read the small bio in the program book. But that doesn’t tell you who Allison really is - she’s a force in the non-profit world, helping all of those who ask. She donates not only her time and talents -- but financially supports a lot of these organizations as well. Ali and her family may have landed in Ridgefield in 2000 (and we are certainly lucky to have her! ), but Fairfield County is also blessed since her leadership expands well beyond Ridgefield."
For the past 18 years, Allison has served as Executive Director of the Ridgefield Playhouse during which time she has grown the nonprofit performing arts venue from presenting 40 shows annually to now more than 300. She does not take home a paycheck but donates her yearly salary back to the Playhouse.
Allison is on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Center in Danbury, is an incorporator at The Lounsbury House in Ridgefield, is on the Board of Directors for The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, and delivers food and fundraises for Hillside Food Outreach. She also donates her time and talent to SPHERE, Ability Beyond Disability, Danbury Music Center, The Ridgefield Chorale, Sandy Hook Promise, and has been a host parent for 3 students from Ridgefield A Better Chance.
Allison Stockel grew up surrounded by musical pioneers. "My family is from New Orleans and my life was centered around music and the arts; my uncle started Preservation Hall Jazz. Every summer I went traveling with the band on a Greyhound bus." Stockel moved to Ridgefield in December of 2000, the same month the Ridgefield Playhouse opened its doors. She became Executive Director in 2004.
Stockel spoke about her mission to bring the arts to everyone. "The year before the pandemic we gave more than $100,000 in tickets and free bussing for children in title one schools to see live performances for free."
And, the message this leader bestows upon future female leaders?
- Surround yourself with people who do good.
- Follow your passion- let that determine your path, not what will make you the most money or be the most impressive. This way you will do what you love and that will always turn into a career.
- Trust yourself and the universe. Sometimes its just better to succumb to the flow of the universe and go with the flow. If you trust the universe, and don’t stress, and follow your passion- you will always end up with a life well-lived.
The event's featured speaker was Redding resident Clara Blackwell, an Eagle Scout who is a founding member of Scouts BSA Troop 306 in Redding. She is headed to Dickinson College where she received a Presidential Scholarship!
According to Connecticut Yankee Council, “The Women In Leadership Lunch shines a bright light on the Connecticut Yankee Council-Boy Scouts of America’s mission to bring our premier youth development program to more girls and young women in our community.”
Read more about the award and Women in Leadership Lunch here.