Meet Tory Ridgeway

Tory Ridgeway is a third-year Aerospace Engineering major at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. His minor is Homeland Security, focusing on Counterterrorism. 

Tory was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. He received early intervention services, special education, and related services throughout high school. He graduated from Calvert County Public Schools in 2021 as a Distinguished Scholar. Tory has received three Presidential awards for academic excellence and was awarded his first college scholarship in fourth grade. 

Tory earned the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout, at the age of 14. 

Tory is a strong advocate for the Autism Community. This past year, he helped bring an evidenced-based curriculum (Unstuck and On Target) to two school systems in Maryland. This curriculum will be a game changer for neurodivergent high school students planning to attend college. 

Tory uses his voice to educate, advocate, and inspire others. He first spoke publicly at the age of eight when he successfully appealed to his Board of Education to retain special educators. 

His speaking engagements have included the Boy Scouts of America, the Autism Society of Washington, and the military’s Exceptional Family Members Programs. Tory has partnered with Children’s Hospital’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and The Kennedy Krieger Institute, where he discussed Neurodiversity with doctors, psychologists, and other medical professionals. 

Tory began his professional career last year as an Engineering intern at the Federal Aviation Association. This summer, Tory’s headed to Connecticut for an Engineering internship at Lockheed Martin.

Tory is convinced that no one thing or person is responsible for his continued success; he says, “It takes a village.” Tory considers himself a “beacon of hope” for others like him.