Growing up in Coos Bay, Oregon, Glenda’s future came into focus during a gallbladder scan at her local hospital. Watching the nuclear medicine process unfold on the screen, she was captivated. She left that appointment knowing exactly what she wanted to do. Her first plan was to attend UNLV, but fate had other ideas. Just as she was preparing to head to Las Vegas, Oregon Tech reached out to her family with news of a brand-new nuclear medicine program. Glenda’s family pivoted and never looked back.
From the moment she toured the Klamath Falls campus, Glenda could see her future. She imagined herself climbing the residence hall rock wall, swimming laps in the pool, and spinning records at the campus radio station. And she did all of it.
She became “The Grasshopper” on air, joined the outdoor program, tutored fellow students, played piano in the auditorium, and served as a campus ambassador. Her days were full, and she thrived in the vibrant community she helped build.
Though math had once been a challenge, Glenda found a breakthrough at Oregon Tech. With the help of Professor Hart, she learned to read math like a language. That shift opened the door to advanced coursework and eventually a master’s degree in Radiation Health Physics from Oregon State University. She also pursued a minor in technical communication, which would become a powerful asset throughout her career.
After graduation, Glenda jumped into the workforce as a traveling nuclear medicine technologist. Her first assignment in Tacoma, Washington, came with a generous salary and a fully covered apartment. From there, she moved to Kentucky, then Florida, always following the next opportunity. In Orlando, she worked as a medical health physicist, managing radiation safety and nuclear medicine therapies. Her nuclear medicine license gave her a unique edge, allowing her to handle therapies and procedures that others couldn’t.
“Take the open doors. Even if they lead somewhere unexpected, they might just take you exactly where you’re meant to be.” ~Glenda
In 2008, Glenda took another leap—this time to Washington, D.C., where she joined the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a federal regulator, she helped shape national policy and brought real-world clinical insight to the table. Though the work was meaningful, she missed Oregon. When a position opened at the Portland VA Medical Center, she returned home and stepped into a new role as radiation and laser safety officer.
Glenda’s path took another turn in 2018 when she joined the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. Her knack for understanding contracts and regulations made her a natural fit. Today, she works as a compliance officer, reviewing life insurance and annuity contracts to ensure they meet state standards. It’s a role that blends her technical background with her love of clear communication.
Glenda’s creative spark never dimmed. Her radio roots from Oregon Tech blossomed into a thriving voiceover and broadcasting presence. She hosts a radio show on KOCF in Veneta and contributes content to KBOO in Portland. Her voice can be heard in audiobooks, commercials, and corporate narrations. In 2023, she was recognized for her work in audio storytelling, winning multiple awards for her podcast and radio productions, including honors highlighted in Her podcast:GlendaBlastsYourEarOff, which blends narrative storytelling with community voices, continues to grow in reach and impact.
Glenda Villamar’s story is a celebration of saying “yes.” She didn’t map out every step, but she trusted her instincts and followed the flow. Each chapter, whether in a hospital, a federal agency, or a radio booth was shaped by her willingness to learn, grow, and stay open to what came next. Her advice to students and alumni alike is simple: