Julie Rippy

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
I appreciate having the perspective that comes with age. Looking back, I see how the ups and downs in my life have helped me build perseverance and resilience. Every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger.

WHAT HARDSHIPS HAVE YOU ENDURED THAT YOU FEEL HAVE MADE YOU STRONGER?
Being a strong-willed female in the male-dominated field of engineering has provided plenty of “growth opportunities” over the years.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Raising my amazing daughter, Charlie, to be the brilliant, funny, and beautiful human she is is my greatest joy and achievement. It’s challenging to find the balance between sharing the lessons from my own life and encouraging her to forge her own path, but watching her grow and navigate her journey makes me a proud momma every day.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
My greatest extravagance is undoubtedly my home art studio and the myriad of colorful supplies within. I recently was told to buy all the supplies you can while you are employed, so you have plenty when you are retired and on a tighter budget.  I am taking that to heart…..along with knowing “she with the most supplies wins!”  Having the convenience to step into my studio and dive into my art anytime is a real gift, and I never take it for granted. 

WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
I have two:  old family photos that are not digitized yet and our art collection.  They are both one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
An art retreat in Tuscany.  I hope it is the first of many opportunities to travel and create with friends.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
A life without worry and stress filled with family, friends, and plenty of time to travel, create, and laugh more.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Don’t believe those who want to tear you down and make you feel inadequate.  Be brave and know you do not have to be perfect to succeed.

DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM FOR YOUNGER WOMEN?
Same.

WHAT IS A TRAIT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Occasionally, I can be pretty funny.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO OR FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Be curious not judgmental.” – Ted Lasso.  I am not always successful, but the sentiment can sometimes help me put my high horses away.

WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
That they are still my friends even when I haven’t seen them or spoken to them in a long time.  My dearest friends share their love and support without judgment and on demand, and I treasure them.

HOW DID YOU CHANGE OVER THE YEARS?
Growing up, I was smart but lacked confidence, which made me quite introverted. In my twenties, I learned how to communicate with anyone and became much more extroverted. These days, I’m a confirmed “extroverted introvert” who needs more time alone to recharge.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I wish I was a health junkie who loved to exercise.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR THE FUTURE GENERATIONS?
I hope we learn to connect again with mutual respect, kindness, empathy, and an understanding that we all share this planet and there is no other.

WHAT BRINGS YOU THE MOST JOY AT THIS AGE?
Seeing my husband, my daughter, and myself successfully settle into life and find things we love to do and friends to share them with. 

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?
I’ve always thought my superpower was connecting the dots and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture. But now I realize it’s closely tied to my ability to talk to anyone. Being able to connect with people from all walks of life helps me understand different perspectives and piece things together more effectively.

DO YOU LIKE BEING 40+?
Hell no! I love this part of my life, but I’d jump at the chance if I could have the same confidence and perspective with a younger body. Since that’s not an option, I’d say being 40+ is pretty great.

WHEN IN YOUR LIFE, SO FAR, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
I’ve felt most confident in the past decade. With more experience, I’ve really gotten to know myself and what I can do. My role at Vornado Air, where I get to work with industry leaders and lead and mentor others, has boosted my confidence a lot. Plus, discovering my love for art has given me a fun and fulfilling hobby that adds to my self-assurance while helping me balance my energy.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
Thanks for your patience and the beautiful photographs, Yvette