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Meet Your Neighbor: Susie Lee
By Callie Thomas
We could all use a little help every now and again, but there are times when it only takes a singular action to get the ball rolling in the right direction. How often has someone said, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Resident Susie Lee draws inspiration from this phrase, taking to heart those same powerful words of wisdom she once heard from her mother. Lee’s passion for finding new ways to improve the Las Vegas and Nevada communities could be the result of having the courage to take matters into her own hands and inspire others to make a difference.
As one of eight children growing up in a single income family in Ohio, Susie Lee was often the recipient of a helping hand from educators and those that would become her mentors. These experiences spurred a desire to “pay it forward” by offering her support to others in need. This 19-year resident immersed herself in the community and first utilized her skills as a research director for a gubernatorial campaign, where she drafted several proposals that are now state policy. She was also the founding Executive Director of Mobilized Assistance and Shelter for the Homeless (MASH) Crisis Intervention Unit, which provides multiple services for homeless clients all under one roof.
Lee’s lengthy list of community support includes becoming the founding director and a 10 year board member of the Inner City Games (now the After School All Stars program), which provides more than 5,000 kids with after school activities and educational programs. In addition, she serves as President Emeritus of the Nevada Women’s Philanthropy (NWP), which awards grants to several nonprofits within the community, and she has also been named board president of Communities in Schools of Nevada. Lee took some time out to share her insight into the organization, herself and her life in the city.
Communities in Schools of Nevada is a new undertaking for you?
“Yes, our organization helps to build awareness and develop strategies to address the dropout epidemic in Nevada. CIS works within the public school system and determines student needs and establishes relationships with local businesses, social service organizations, health care providers and parents as well as volunteers.”
News reports have indicated Nevada as having the highest dropout rate in the nation.
“The numbers have been staggering; 133 students drop out each school day and only 43% of Nevada’s high school students graduate, which is why I’m so committed to doing what I can through Communities in Schools.”
You created CIS’s First Annual Scarecrow Festival fundraiser. What can you tell us about the event?
“Our inaugural event was incredibly successful thanks to the generosity of sponsors and our volunteers. We raised over $220,000 for our most at risk students. It’s a night of food and family fun. We just held our second annual event this past fall.”
What experiences with these organizations inspire you?
“As the Executive Director for the Inner City Games, I accompanied two Youth Ambassadors to the Olympics in Atlanta. My husband and I took an interest in helping an extraordinary young woman named Sue Owens from the group, who showed incredible drive and commitment. Fifteen years later, I was at a support event at Wendell Williams School and recognized one of the young teachers – it was Sue. I was so proud of her accomplishment.”
Tell us something you don’t think others in the community know about you.
“I was a synchronized swimmer as a youngster.”
With all that you do, what keeps you sane?
“My family. My husband Dan and our kids Nevada and Cody and our dogs Lizzie and Scooter. I think the key is focus and hard work and the ability to laugh – at myself primarily.”
