Have You Met... Ria Ames?

Have you met Ria Ames, Associate Vice-president, Shared Services within the University Services and Finance portfolio? Spend a few minutes getting to know her a little better.

main-ria-ames.png

What is your first U of A memory?

My first memory of the U of A was arriving on my first day as an undergraduate student and being mesmerized by the amazing architecture and the vibrancy of life on campus. I was so caught up in it that I was almost late for my first class. 

What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?

Over the past 10 years I have been building musical-theatre props for my daughter’s dance studio. I am most proud of the 9’ Whoville tree and Grinch-themed set, the Muppet set and the factory background for their performance of “Brand New Day” from The Wiz, which they performed at the Winspear Centre. Props for dance are challenging because they need to be sturdy, but very easy to assemble and take down since you only have a few minutes before and after a number to do so.

What’s your favourite distraction?

My favorite distraction is working out in the yard on a beautiful day and then spending time on the patio playing board games and having dinner.  

If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?

Now that my daughter is older, I have been considering a master’s degree in leadership.

What’s a weird pet peeve you have?

I insist beds must be made first thing every morning — even when we travel. There is a mindfulness about closing off the night and starting your day with intention.

You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?

I would love to have dinner with Barack and Michelle Obama.

If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?

Any Broadway show in New York City. Our last trip was with our friends and we are already planning to go back.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

I would give myself two pieces of advice: whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth; and after this past year, start travelling and exploring when you are young, as you never know how life may change.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My daughter says I definitely cannot live without my coffee. Little does she know that I can’t live without her.

What three words describe your U of A experience?

Amazing, innovative, connection.

hym-ria.pngAbout Ria

Ria Ames is the new associate vice-president, shared services within the University Services and Finance portfolio. She is a U of A alumna, a designated change leader and a multi-designated human resources professional. For the last two decades, she has worked with large, complex organizations undergoing significant transformational change. She is a firm believer in shared services and the value this team will bring to the university. When she is not at work, she is busy supporting her daughter’s modeling and performance opportunities.