Meet Rue

Rue Willis is a Hampton Roads native and lone adopted child of a Venezuelan immigrant and Navy veteran. Earning a Bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University in 2024 for International Studies with minors in History & German, Rue is working towards a provisional teaching license with endorsements in Social Studies and German.

Rue’s passion for teaching originates early on where they got to work with elementary school students for tutoring while still a student in high school. Through college, Rue served as a substitute teacher first starting at Newport News before transferring over to Chesapeake Public Schools. From there, their passion for teaching only bloomed as they continued to work with students helping them to succeed.

Now, as a graduate who experienced what it was like to learn in an online setting forced by the pandemic similar to those still current in Chesapeake Public Schools, Rue has decided to run for school board to support our students with their experience both as an educator and a student during the pandemic. With a supplemental background in finance from their time in college serving in financial roles in reporting and fundraising, Rue is committed to bringing in the resources needed to invest in an effective, robust support network that will allow every student to catch up and succeed in school.

Outside of the campaign and work, Rue enjoys spending time with their family, partner, and two senior cats: Mary & Ruby. Their favorite pastimes include reading the latest historical fiction or romance novels to artistic endeavors in crochet, knitting, and sewing to even baking and cooking. Rue loves anything that stimulates their creativity.