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Meet Your Neighbor: Suzanne Lee
By Callie Thomas
The long running TV drama “Touched by An Angel” chronicled the many stories in which caseworker and angel Monica is tasked with bringing guidance to various people who are at a crossroads in their lives. The Las Vegas community is lucky to call real life mentor and guide, 89135 resident Suzanne Lee, among its many angels that touch and enlighten the lives of our youth.
Armed with an M.S. of Public Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, Suzanne (Susie) began her career as a political consultant within the community and held the position of Director of the MASH (Mobilized Assistance and Shelter for the Homeless) Crisis Intervention Center. She later became the Founding Executive Director of the After-School All-Stars which provides comprehensive out-of-school programs that keep children safe and help them achieve in school and in life.
The group provides at risk youth with opportunities to participate in sports, educational, cultural and community enrichment programs. “I chose the After-School All-Stars because I was a student-athlete as a child and young adult,” says Lee. “As a young woman, I had the benefit of being touched by important mentors in my life—coaches, teachers and people who gave me that helping hand. Without their help and guidance, I would not have been able to achieve my goals as a young adult.”
Susie grew up as one of eight children in a single income family and was the beneficiary of a helping hand many times as she grew up. “One mentor helped me to get through college. His name was Bob Casey and his only request was that when I was older and successful that I would help someone else and pay it forward.”
Perhaps one of the most influential reasons that Lee continues to be involved in the After-School All-Stars is because of the many children’s success stories she has witnessed. This includes a sixth grader named Sue Owens. Susie and her husband assisted the young girl in realizing her potential outside of the program. After more than a decade the couple lost touch with her. While visiting Wendell Williams Elementary School through another organization, the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy, she recognized one of the teachers. “I thought I had met her at the school during a previous visit. I heard someone call this teacher Ms. Owens. Immediately I realized it was Sue. She was now a student teacher. She had worked against incredible odds, got an education and was now teaching in her own community. That was very meaningful to me.”
Through the group, she has enjoyed participating in the Century Ride in the RTC’s Viva Bike Vegas which benefits the organization as well as Nevada Cancer Institute. The event being held on October 9 features courses for cyclists of all skill levels. And Century Riders like Susie will enjoy a one-of-a-kind route that features a historic ride across the nearly completed Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, before it’s open to automobile traffic. “I have done the bike ride for the last three years,” she said. “I’ve conducted my own sponsorship drive from which I raised over $20,000!”
After three years with the organization, Susie decided to “back burner” her career and spend more time raising her two children Nevie and Cody with husband Dan. “We are committed to fostering the growth of our children into loving, fun, smart and adventurous people,” she said.
Lee continues to support the After-School All-Stars as a member of the Board of Directors. She has also become the President Elect of Nevada Women’s Philanthropy, is a board member of the Southern Nevada Desert Mermaids, serves as a Junior Girl Scout Leader, and is a member of the Superintendent’s Educational Opportunities Advisory Committee.
Suzanne Lee is eager to lend an inspirational hand to help others. “In life we are all going up or down the ladder and need a helping hand at some point. I am in the position to provide that help now and am happy to do it.”
For more information on RTC”s Viva Bike Vegas, visit www.vivabikevegas.com. To learn about the After-School All-Stars, visit www.asaslv.org.
