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Meet Your Neighbor: Susan Pucciarelli
By Callie Thomas
“Ours is a circle of friendships united by ideals.”
– Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America
You may remember the first time you or your daughter wore that first Girl Scout uniform (years ago it was green or brown with matching knee socks, no less) and the sense of pride and accomplishment you received as you earned the badges for helping others in the community. The camaraderie that develops among the girls and their troops continues to set the stage for building character and skills for success in the real world. Resident Susan Pucciarelli is a mom that can relate, having had two girls that joined the Girl Scouts in first and second grade. Moreover, she’s been involved with the organization, in addition to other charitable organizations that assist youth in our community, for the past 14 years in a variety of capacities.
Susan has worked hard to build her career in the banking industry and is currently with City National Bank in the lending area. “During my banking career, I have helped clients enhance and expand their businesses, purchase their own office buildings and develop new retail centers and office complexes,” Pucciarelli said. Her initial desire to become involved with helping the youth in Southern Nevada is a direct result of her work in the banking industry. “Many companies, including local banks, participated with community organizations to help the youth in Clark County. I have participated in several programs focused on encouraging and helping children throughout my career.”
Susan has been involved in programs with Child Haven, the PayBac program, which encourages middle school students to stay in school and graduate, as well as Junior Achievement. The latter is a program geared toward teaching business, economics and life skills to students in grades K-12. It was when her two girls joined the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada that she found a need for parental involvement as leaders and within the structure of the council. “I knew the organization would benefit them,” Susan said. “I believe strongly in the program offered to young girls and in the mission of the world-wide organization, which is to build courage, confidence and character in girls to make the world a better place.” The Southern Nevada chapter is currently 10,000 girls and adult members strong. Membership is open to all girls 5-17 years of age. Today there are 3.2 million Girl Scout members throughout the United States and more than 92 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.
Pucciarelli began her support on the Finance Committee and later on the Executive Committee when there was a need to relocate and build a new, modern structure which would accommodate the growth of Girl Scouting in the area for the next 50 years. “I was Treasurer for the organization for two terms, during which time the construction of the facility began and was completed.”
Susan’s outreach efforts are also felt at her church, St. Thomas More, through the Youth and Life Teen programs. She is also involved in the Peacemakers ministry which makes scripture quilts for those that are homebound and for the bereavement group. “I have sewn since I was in middle school and enjoy making quilts. When people are suffering from illness or from the loss of a loved one, they find great comfort in the quilts.”
Susan Pucciarelli is proud to give back in appreciation of the many people and mentors that have given her the skills and the time that have enabled her to grow and be successful in Las Vegas. “The community has allowed me and my husband Paul to raise our two girls, keep them safe and afford me the opportunity to enjoy my family. Giving back is the right thing to do that will make a positive difference in someone else’s life.”
