Meet Gloria

GROWING UP

I was born in Los Angeles, the oldest of four children. My parents worked hard and expected the same from us. My father was a groundskeeper, and my mother worked for the State of California. They taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and doing your best even when the path is not easy.

As the oldest child, I learned early what it meant to be dependable. I helped where I could, took school seriously, and understood that education could open doors. I was a strong student and stayed active in my church and in Junior Achievement, where I developed an early interest in business, leadership, and how organizations work.

After high school, I worked full time while attending college at night. It was not the easiest path, and earning my degree took ten years, but I was determined to finish what I started. Balancing work, school, and life's responsibilities taught me discipline, time management, resilience, and persistence. I eventually earned my degree in business administration and accounting from California State University, Fullerton — an achievement that reflected not only my education, but also the work ethic and determination my parents instilled in me.

Those early experiences shaped who I am today. They taught me to listen, work hard, take responsibility, and stay focused on the future. Those are the same values I will bring to serving Walker.

Family, Career, and Finding a New Path

I have always believed in continuing to learn, grow, and push myself. After earning my undergraduate degree while working full time, I was determined to go further. I applied to Harvard Business School and was accepted. With the help of fellowships and loans, I earned my MBA — an experience that strengthened my foundation in financial oversight, leadership, governance, and problem-solving.

My career began in Detroit, working at Chrysler during the Lee Iacocca years. It was an exciting and demanding time to be in the auto industry. I learned firsthand how important strong leadership, disciplined decision-making, innovation, and accountability are when an organization — and the people who depend on it — are facing change.

The auto industry is also part of my family story. I married my business school classmate, Milton Roye, who built his career at General Motors. Like so many Michigan families, our lives were connected to the auto industry. We worked hard, built our careers, raised our daughter, and understood the pride and pressure that come with being part of an industry that means so much to our state.

Then, during the 2009 auto crisis, both Milton and I lost our jobs. It was a difficult and uncertain time. Like many families, we had to regroup, reassess, and make hard decisions about the future.

But that experience also taught us resilience. We adapted, supported each other, and found a new path forward. That path brought us to West Michigan — and to a new chapter of service, leadership, and community.

Those experiences shaped how I approach challenges. I understand what it means to work hard, face uncertainty, make responsible decisions, and keep moving forward. That is the kind of steady, practical leadership I will bring to serving Walker.

Service to My Community

We moved to West Michigan, where I found a new home and a new opportunity to serve. Much of my work here has been in nonprofit leadership, where I have helped organizations stay strong, accountable, financially responsible, and focused on the people and communities they serve.

That work has shaped how I lead. I believe good decisions start with listening, asking the right questions, understanding the facts, and keeping the mission in mind. Whether working with boards, staff, volunteers, community partners, or residents, I have always believed that leadership is about service, responsibility, and follow-through.

My community involvement has included nonprofit leadership, public service, environmental advocacy, volunteer financial leadership, and civic engagement. I have seen how important it is for organizations — including local government — to be transparent, careful with resources, and responsive to the people they serve.

I’m a neighbor, a wife, a mother, and someone who believes in showing up and doing the work. I care about safe neighborhoods, strong city services, responsible planning, and making sure residents feel heard.

That’s who I am. And that’s how I’ll serve Walker.