Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Althea Ricketts, VP, corporate initiatives at Shure. She shares her journey into the AV industry, starting in Jamaica where she transitioned from the MI side of the business to pro AV, leveraging her sociology background. She candidly acknowledges facing challenges as a vocal woman of color but credits her mentors, including Shure CEO Christine Schyvinck and her mother, for guiding and motivating her career path. Her proudest achievement is adopting a global perspective in an increasingly interconnected industry, which she embraced early in her career. Ricketts is passionate about the growing diversity and innovation within AV and believes the industry’s future lies in fostering even greater inclusion and global thinking. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Althea Ricketts, VP, Corporate Initiatives, Shure
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Althea Ricketts: I entered the industry while I was living in Jamaica. I was heavily involved in the MI side of the business, and was leveraging my background in sociology to bounce between the various aspects of pro AV.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Ricketts: Is this a trick question? Absolutely there has been obstacle for this very vocal woman of color. But nothing that is worth it, comes easy. I celebrate my role models and mentors that have helped clear the way, and as Maya says…and still I rise.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Ricketts: I have had quite a few mentors over the last 40 years, two that come to mind right away are, Christine Schyvinck, the CEO/President of Shure, and one of the most phenomenal leaders I know. She has helped me to see what women in our industry can accomplish. And of course, I must mention my greatest mentor, and career role model, my mom. She has showed me what can be accomplished and how to get my coins. She came to America ahead of us in the early 70’s and was a housekeeper in the wealthy North shore of Illinois, she retired with her master’s in social work, and having had successful careers in IT, real-estate, and she even owned her own Juice shop. She helped me to continue to push through all the roadblocks I have experienced, as the only one in the room… sometimes. My she-ro 😊
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Ricketts: My proudest accomplishment has been my transition to a global mindset in how I view this industry. I like to say I was “global” before global was sexy. This industry has expanded and become so globally integrated; it is critical that we think outside of our borders. I saw that so evident at the last ISE show.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Ricketts: Similar to answer above…. the growing diversity I see happening in this space. The expansion of thought that this brings to the innovation and experience is mind-blowing to me.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Ricketts: Similar to responses above…the continued diversity of thought and innovation that brings. The horizon is here and its exciting to see how our industry is preparing for it.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
