Creative, adventurous, and endlessly curious, Wesley SecureCare member Thea Glidden has built a remarkable life as a graphic designer, photographer, educator, project manager, historic-home restorer, antiques dealer, Master Gardener, and accomplished Zydeco Dancer. Her guiding philosophy—”Be afraid, but do it anyway”—has carried her through new careers, new cities, and countless memorable experiences.
A Childhood on the Move
Thea’s parents met while serving in the Army. Her mother joined the first Women’s Army Corps and was among the first women on the beaches of Normandy. Her service is recognized at the Military Women’s Memorial in the Washington, D.C., area. Thea’s father, an artist and photographer, served during World War II and was called back into the Army during the Korean War.
Because of her father’s military service, Thea’s family moved frequently throughout her childhood. She spent three years—from ages seven to nine—living in Ankara, Turkey. During third grade alone, she attended four different schools.
“I used to hate being at the front of the class and introduced as the ‘new girl,'” Thea recalls. “I was always the new girl somewhere.”
After her father was stationed at Fort Holabird and later passed away, Thea’s family remained in Baltimore. Her childhood spent constantly moving inspired her to put down roots at an early age.
Building a Creative Life
At 18, Thea left home to study photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology. It was there that she began introducing herself as Thea, having previously gone by “Dot.” She later returned to Baltimore and attended the Maryland Institute College of Art, where she studied graphic design and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Creativity runs through Thea’s family. Her father drew and painted in oils and watercolors and operated a photography studio in New York, where he photographed authors for book jackets. Her grandmother was also a photographer. Today, Thea continues to work in both photography and graphic design.
After successfully operating her own graphic-design business, Thea was invited to teach a course at MICA called “Business Practices.” Although she was terrified of public speaking, she followed her philosophy of being afraid and doing it anyway.
“It was a little rough at first, but she for the hang of it,” her students wrote in their evaluation. “We liked her, and we learned a lot.”
Thea went on to teach the evening course for three years.
Putting Down Roots in Baltimore
At just 20 years old, while working at the Maryland Historical Society through a grant, Thea received help from her boss in obtaining her first mortgage. She purchased an old house in Waverly that contained two apartments, allowing the property to pay for itself.
That first home launched a lifelong passion. Thea eventually owned, lived in, and restored nine historic houses—three with her husband at the time and the others as a single woman.
“What started as a hobby ended up as a lifestyle,” she says.
Thea’s love of history and collecting also led her to become an antiques dealer. After meeting another woman who shared her enthusiasm for collectibles, the two rented a booth at an antiques mall in Ellicott City. The venture was wildly successful. For more than 30 years, Thea has continued renting booths in antiques stores in Maryland and Virginia.
New Careers and New Adventures
At 61, Thea embraced another major change when she was recruited for a position at Virginia Tech. After spending most of her adult life in Baltimore, she was intrigued by the opportunity to live among the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blacksburg, Virginia. She remained there for seven years.
One of the most rewarding parts of her work at Virginia Tech was serving on its TED Talks committee. As part of a five-person team, Thea helped interview speakers and produce annual TED Talks.
“It was incredibly humbling to get to know such special, talented, and insightful people,” she says.
Thea also took classes and became a certified project manager through the Project Management Institute. She considers project management her most valuable skill. Listening to clients, gathering information, developing plans, managing risk, responding to unexpected events, and staying on schedule and within budget have served her throughout her professional and personal life.
Finding Joy Through Music and Travel
New Orleans holds a special place in Thea’s heart because of its food, culture, and —most importantly—music. After hearing a Zydeco group perform during a happy hour in Baltimore, she became enchanted with the music and began taking dance lessons.
Thea eventually became an accomplished Zydeco dancer, attending festivals across the country and even participating in a Zydeco cruise from Baltimore to New Orleans and the Caribbean. Through dancing, she met fellow Zydeco enthusiasts from aroud the world.
Her other favorite cities include Paris, France, Italy; and Oaxaca, Mexico. She also enjoys collecting small treasures during her travels—as long as they can fit in her luggage.
Family, Gardening and the Joys if Everyday Life
Among Thea’s proudest accomplishments are becoming a mother at 41 and earning the designation of Master Gardener. Her son married a woman with three children, and the family lives in Baltimore City. Thea is also the proud grandmother of Penny, who recently celebrated her first birthday.
When enjoying time alone, Thea’s favorite activities are reading and cooking. She also cares deeply about helping people experiencing homelessness.
Throughout a life filled with creativity, movement, reinvention, and adventure, Thea has learned to approach challenges with courage and flexibility. Along with Carrie Fisher’s advice to “Be afraid—but do it anyway,” she finds inspiration in the reminder that each new day offers another opportunity to begin again.
