2008 Woodie Awards
A Roosevelt By Any Other Name
Valley staff member and husband who is the grandson of FDR make names for themselves.
LaGina Phillips
Issue date: 5/18/05 Section: News
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"It's a way for us to unwind and connect," said Ford, grandson of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Distinguished in appearance, like his grandfather, he is a perfect contrast to his feisty wife, Marni whose temperament echos that of Eleanor.
The couple, approaching their 27th anniversary in June, has plenty to unwind over.
As the director for special projects at Valley College's Child Development Department, 53-year-old Marni is in charge of multiple assignments, including her pet project, the successful Infant and Toddle Teacher Institute. The ITTI's latest event attracted more than 250 people interested in the child development field.
Ford, the 56-year-old president and CEO of Project Grad LA, is responsible for sending more than 300 San Fernando High School students to college on scholarship. Grad LA not only works with high school students, but the organization starts working with students in grade school. Ford has now set his focus on building Grad LA's relationship with Valley.
"Our careers have crossed paths," said Ford excitedly. "After work conversations have a lot to do with education."
The Roosevelts find themselves working together again after three decades. The couple met in Santa Cruz while teaching nursery school.
Ford attributes his love of his work to the values he grew up with from his family.
"It's very important to me to know that my family has done so much," said Ford. "I feel that what I do for a living contributes to that."
A photographer by hobby, Ford got his first camera at 12 from his father, Elliott. Ford still insists the favorite photographs he took were of his grandmother whom he adored.
"[My grandmother] was and still is a real inspiration to me," said Ford. "It's very motivating to see what she did for human rights."
As Eleanor dedicated her life to people, Marni has fashioned her life after the little people.
