Lori Warden still remembers growing up amid her family’s pear orchards in Placerville, selling the fruit from a roadside stand and playing among the trees. “Sometimes we played in the irrigation ditch,” she reminisces. “Nowadays, nobody would let their kids play in that!” After the “pear decline” of the ’50s, Warden’s family bought a garbage company. Rather than move away from her childhood home, however, Warden worked for her family and even ended up meeting her husband Daryl—one of the company’s subcontractors—through her work. 

Lori with Kyle Placek

 In 2001, a few years after her family sold the garbage company, Warden found herself taking a more active role in her community. She joined Kiwanis, impressed by the club’s many efforts to help children both locally and abroad. She is especially proud of the nonprofit’s educational scholarships and Key Leader Camp, a summer camp that trains high-school-aged youth in leadership skills. Warden eventually served a term as president of the club, and more recently, she became the first woman to hold the position of lieutenant governor for Division 44. In her spare time, Warden is on the board of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, a nonprofit that helps maintain and protect the historic trail for future generations to enjoy. For Warden, it’s all about protecting the natural beauty of the place she’s always called home. “I’ve really never wanted to move away,” she says with a laugh. “I love it here!”

 — Amber Foster 

Q&A

Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?

A: This too shall pass.

Q: What comes to you naturally? 

A: Talking to strangers. 

Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

A: People who drive below the speed limit in the fast lane.

Q: What are you most proud of?

A:  My parents—they worked really hard and became very successful. They taught me to work hard, give back, and how important family and friendship is.  

Q: Best words of wisdom you’ve received?

A: My dad always said that the five most important letters in the alphabet are T, H, I, N and K. He has yet to be proved wrong.