Meet Gerry Ryan

We start off this bright and auspicious New Year with member Gerry Ryan, who is new to Impact100 Greater Sacramento this year. Welcome, Gerry! 

“New challenges” seems to be the key theme for Gerry’s life thus far. Talk about a mover who is constantly learning! Originally from San Francisco and Marin County, Gerry’s family moved to Sacramento before high school, and she started college here. Her later move back to San Francisco started off a lifetime of new destinations and accomplishments. Although she started law school at USF, she soon found herself in Houston, Texas to complete her Bachelor’s degree, a year in New York, a stint in London at London School of Economics, then to Russia with a college student exchange program. She opted to stay in Russia for 4 more eventful  years in the tumultuous 90s teaching English as a Second Language at Moscow State  University. When she finally headed back to the U.S., she decided to settle in Sacramento. 

But Gerry did not stop there! She completed her Master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language at Sac State and taught at a number of local schools: Holy Family, Hiram Johnson, Sac High in Oak Park. A natural mentor, Gerry taught her students to commit to something, work toward it, and they would see success! She finally retired from teaching in 2022 and focused on running her successful Mary Kay business. Once introduced to Impact100, she knew our style of giving back is what she prefers, but still dreams of starting her own non-profit organization for kids in group homes. 

Gerry is fortunate to have a wonderful 28-year-old son, Mark, who lives in Denver and works as  an engineer for Honeywell. Mark is planning to pursue an MBA to further his education, and perhaps move back to Sacramento (which would make Gerry very happy!). 

Thank you, Gerry, for bringing your positive energy and experience to Impact100 Greater Sacramento! 

Fun Facts: 

What is the aspect about Impact100 you are most passionate about? 

I love having an opportunity to serve our own community and to directly be a participant in determining, along with other like-minded women, where and how my funds are spent. I particularly love introducing other women to this amazing organization and sharing with them this unique opportunity to serve our local neighborhoods. 

What is one thing we should know about you? 

I rode a camel in Morocco when I was 19. 

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Aristotle, because of his brilliant mind and deep philosophical reasoning. What is your favorite restaurant? 

Sutter Street Steak House in Folsom.

What are your hobbies? 

Reading, cooking, walks in nature, dining out, music, travel. What is/are your favorite travel destination(s)? Italy, Australia, New Zealand What is a place you haven’t traveled, but would love to visit? Argentina

2025 Membership Drive

Have you thought about joining as a member? Impact100 Greater Sacramento is currently in its 2025 membership drive. Join us in making an impact by becoming a member by February 28, 2025. Do you want to join with your friends? Participate in the You+2 Challenge! Bring two friends to join, and you’ll be entered to win great prizes. 

The grant application period opens on January 13 and closes on March 22. We invite all nonprofits in Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, and El Dorado Counties to apply.