Larissa Deedrich
Dynamic Leader, Engaged Speaker, Author
Larissa Deedrich is a passionate adventurer with a deep love for horses and creativity. Growing up near the Illinois River, she first developed her adventurous spirit working at a National Wildlife Refuge and exploring her artistic side through music and pottery. Although she earned a scholarship to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, her love for horses led her to pursue a degree in Equine Management from Oklahoma State University. In high school, she thrived in competitive trail riding, spending weekends camping with her horse, Rose. After college, Larissa gained hands-on experience working on horse ranches in the West. Back in Illinois, she became a successful horse farrier and trainer, making a name for herself as a champion barrel racer in 2002 with her horse, Sister Sue. However, the financial crash of 2008 shifted her focus toward affordable housing. Starting at the local housing authority, she quickly rose through the ranks, spearheading projects like the Blue Sky Meadows subdivision and The Lodge senior living property. Her journey took her to Racine, Wisconsin, and then to Danville, Virginia, where she made strides in affordable housing initiatives, including senior living apartments and renovations for veterans. Now residing in Sioux Falls with her husband, Curt Deedrich and their beloved dogs, Larissa is modernizing housing operations and seeking new opportunities for workforce housing. And of course, she still enjoys her weekends with her Missouri Fox Trotter, Velvet, riding and caring for her beloved horse. Her journey reflects her adventurous spirit and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Check out Larissa's 1st Book!
THE ENLIGHTENED
BOOK 1
Book Summary: In a divided kingdom where the ruling Albino people oppress the marginalized Ecru individuals, Roman, a young Ecru boy, wants to find acceptance and save his family's farm. His major obstacle is King Sitruc, who enforces strict societal norms that keep Ecrus in poverty and despair. An unexpected plot twist occurs when Roman discovers a rare plant called zini that could potentially solve the food crisis affecting both races but puts him at risk of conflict with influential figures seeking to maintain their control over resources.
In the heart of the Enlightened Region, a once prosperous kingdom teeters on the brink of turmoil as food becomes scarce and drought and heat prevail.
Vactor, a dark-skinned Ecru man who leads the Silent Legion has been driven by a lost love and a lost child to fight the injustice that plagues his kind.