When Linda R. Holthaus was asked what her day-to-day looks like, she held up a color-coordinated planner with little to no white space left.
"You can do anything for 18 months," she said while she went through her list. "Except diet."
Now retired as associate director of human resources at Procter & Gamble, Holtaus fills her schedule wearing many different hats to advance her community – from leading tours at Spring Grove Cemetery to coordinating fundraising for DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Clifton.
Despite how busy she is, colleagues said she stays passionate, energetic and joyful during all of her work.
“It sounds like a lot, or like I can’t say 'no,' ” Holthaus said. “But I wouldn’t say that. I would say they’re all really heartthrobs of mine, and the people connect.”
Holthaus grew up on the West Side, graduating from Mother of Mercy High School. As she pursued her bachelor’s degree at Mount St. Joseph University, she found a job working as a secretary for P&G, starting what would become a 38-year career there.
Holthaus said her parents worked hard to put her and her siblings through high school. But as the second-oldest of 11 children, paying for college was left up to her.
Putting herself through higher education is one of the reasons helping students through college is such a priority for her now.
“My parents were great, they got us through high school," Holthaus said. "But there were a ton of us. So, if you wanted to move further, then you were on your own. So I know what it’s like to work and go to school and have all those different responsibilities.”
Holthaus uses her background in business to assist in strategic fundraising plans at institutions including DePaul Cristo Rey, Chatfield College and Mount St. Joseph. She said her work in management taught her to be a logistics person, and that she often brings in a new perspective for her teammates.
Plus, she "can make the best charts ever."
Her strategic-planning skills have led to fundraising and volunteer projects for the arts in Cincinnati, which Holthaus said is a bit of a "retirement gift" for herself as someone who has been going to Playhouse in the Park since she was 17.
One of the experiences she spoke most fondly about was volunteering as a docent at the Cincinnati Art Museum, where Holthaus focused on making the museum tours accessible and inviting to guests with disabilities.
“If you can just make them feel very special, that this is their special time and we’re just going to see pretty things and that they feel safe – I would do that every day if I could.”
Holthaus credits the strong friends in her life for inspiring her to keep pushing forward in all of her efforts, although she never once mentions feeling the need to slow down.
She said her colleagues all come with a can-do attitude to get the job done, whether that is ensuring DePaul Cristo Rey students keep their 100% college acceptance rate or attracting donations for the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
“If anything, it’s too much of a fun thing, and it’s brought so many people into my life that I never would have met," Holthaus said.
One thing that might outshine Holthaus' determination, however, is the personal touch she leaves in each encounter. She has a reputation, according to her colleagues, for making the best baked goods, and is known for bringing in a meal or two for her fellow volunteers.
Holthaus said that after growing up with a large family, caring for the group is what she does best, and she makes sure to leave no one out of the new families being formed with her colleagues now.
"Better to cook dinner for 100 people than for two."
About Linda R. Holthaus
Birthplace: Mack
Current residence: East Price Hill
Family: Husband Richard Zinicola, and siblings, nieces and nephews.
Education: Mount St. Joseph University
Occupation: Retired associate director of human resources at Procter & Gamble
What she says
What inspires you to give back? “You find that you actually get more back than what you give. The idea that you can create happiness or safety or security or just some peace for others, well, why wouldn’t you do that?”
What need in the community would you like to see addressed? “People are really becoming much more aware of the need for inclusion and diversity and equity and accessibility, and I think that people are making strides in that.”
Who most influenced or inspired you to care about others? “My mom and dad taught us to share at home. You know, when you’re in a big family, everyone is going to do something.”
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