Anne–Marie Risavy ‘91

I was born and raised in southern Illinois and left the mid–west to attend Simmons in 1987. At Simmons, I worked many hours as a bell–desk receptionist, participated in crew, and tutored economics. While at Simmons, I spent a year at the London School of Economics, completed two internships at the U.S. House of Representatives and The House of Commons (UK), and traveled extensively. Professor Donald Basch was my motivator and inspiration, and I earned a BA in economics in 1991.

In the 18 years following Simmons, I worked for an Illinois Member of Congress full–time while attending law school part–time—St. Louis University School of Law (J.D. 1998) and University of Iowa College of Law (visiting student). Thereafter, I practiced law at two St. Louis law firms, clerked for two federal judges and one state appellate judge, and moved to my new home state of North Carolina in 2006. I have settled into a career as Counsel for a Fortune 50 company.

My personal life has been one of growth, loss and adventure. I lost my mother and grandmother to lung cancer in 2004, and my 13–year marriage ended amicably in 2006. Since then, life has taken on new and greater meaning. I am happier, stronger, and more grounded. I am on the cusp of embarking on my second marriage to my best friend whom I met on–line. Neither of us had children in our prior marriages and as 40–year–olds we have decided to not raise a family.

I am a road cyclist, recreational runner, want–to–be kayaker, former official for the United States Cycling Federation and cycling race co–promoter. I am a Daughter of the American Revolution and a member of a variety of democratic and legal professional organizations. In 2007 and 2008, I performed volunteer advance work for a presidential candidate and spouse, and I recently resigned my position as a volunteer guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children in Mecklenburg County.

I look forward to connecting with you in the coming year.

Recently posted by Anne-Marie Risavy

PASSION

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Welcome to my first blog.  Social media fascinates me so I jumped at the invite to participate.  Think what you may about social networking-there is no better way to gather information and disseminate content.  I think this is especially true when the purpose is to gain insight into human experience and thought in this day and age.  

Over the coming months I selfishly hope to prompt a blogger to provide me with information I seek.  Today, I seek information about PASSION.  Passion in your career, education and personal pursuits.  Not romantic passion.  Do you have it?  If so, what is your passion and how did you find or develop it?  Did you have a passion then lose it?  If so, what do you think led to you losing it? Do you do what you do because you have to, because you feel like you have no choice, or because you love it or are energized by it?  I am particularly interested in personal successes and failures from people who took a leap of faith or risk, and shed their need for financial security or rejected societal expecations to pursue their dream.

I believe there is value to learning what people are passionate about and how they nurtured it, as well as acknowledging the lack of passion in our daily lives and the resulting effects on mood, health and relationships.  I look forward to getting to know you and learning from your experiences.

Greetings!

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