Ronda is a principal and Chief Financial Officer at A. L. Stuart Family Office, LLC in Greenwich, CT. Born and raised in NY, she graduated from Brooklyn College with a BS in accounting. After earning her CPA certificate while at an accounting firm specializing in high net worth individuals, she went on to pursue an MBA in finance from The Wharton School. Ronda is married and lives in New York City, the proud mother of three accomplished sons. The eldest earned his PhD at MIT and is working as a research scientist. Both of her twins are working as software developers. One earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at MIT; the other gained an undergraduate degree at Harvard.
You are a dedicated TTS board member and ambassador for our cause. What inspired you to join our organization?
I had been thinking about doing some charitable work and nothing had sparked my interest. While having dinner with Laurie Sprayregen, a long-time friend, she mentioned there was an opening on the board. I did a bit of research on TTS and the rest is history.
How has your personal attainment of advanced educational degrees affected your outlook on the granting of scholarships?
The attaining of advanced degrees has always been important to me. I believe the knowledge gained as well as the relationships made while studying for the advanced degrees shape a person’s entire life. Being involved with an organization that enables qualified young professionals to enhance their lives not only with an advanced degree, but while studying in another country is tremendously satisfying to me.
What’s your opinion about the talented students to whom TTS awards scholarships?
The scholars are an inspiration for all. My favorite aspect of being a board member of TTS is the semi-annual scholar dinners at Laurie’s home. I love meeting the scholars and hearing about their work. I look forward to learning about their future successes.
Do you have family history relating to WWII and/or the Holocaust?
No, but I’ve always been moved by the strength of those who have experienced and endured the unimaginable.
What meaning do you think WWII rescues of the Danish and Bulgarian Jews holds for us today?
Today’s political environment and increasing number of anti-Semitic attacks is in many ways eerily reminiscent of the WWII era. It is refreshing to recall how ordinary citizens behaved in extraordinary ways to rescue the Jews. It is a reminder that one should not be silent as being silent is almost as bad as being complicit.
Interview conducted March 2020.