Ryder grew up in Kellogg, Idaho and received her B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. After graduation she completed the Navy's nuclear power training program and was stationed on her first submarine, the USS MAINE (SSBN 741), in Bangor, Washington. Nine months later she received her "gold dolphins", an honor bestowed on officers when they fully qualify in submarine warfare. During her three and a half years attached to the USS MAINE, she completed one Strategic Deterrent Patrol, one Western Pacific Deployment, the complete overhaul and reactor replacement of the USS MAINE in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and an operationally challenging sea trials following the overhaul. Following her studies in the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program, Ryder will continue her Navy career and report to the Submarine Officers Advanced Course in Groton, Connecticut, to begin training to be a Department Head on a nuclear powered submarine.

"I chose the MSFS program because of the amazing faculty and the opportunity to study politics and security with the future leaders in public service."