Let's Catch Up

 Well, hey there strangers!  It's been a minute.

So, we had these really weird couple of years, 2020-2021. A lot changed and I'm sorry that I neglected Suzi's World. Let's catch up, shall we?

After the American Cancer Society let me go in December 2020, I bounced around for a few months. It seemed that my requirements for a job had changed pretty drastically after my years at ACS.  I started looking for local, meaningful work.  Not just making money for myself and someone else, but using my training and skills to make a difference in the world, or at least my community...my world.

For almost 4 months in 2021 I worked part-time at the History of Diving Museum as Community Development Manager. What an amazing museum! If you haven't been there, go to Islamorada, pay $15 and explore over 4,000 years of man's quest to understand and venture under the sea.  I enjoyed my time there, designing ads and developing outreach campaigns, as well as getting to know the museum. But, one of the problems with meaningful work is that nonprofits are rarely able to pay well! 

In September 2021, I was offered the position of Rescuer Director at MarrVelous Pet Rescues. Now that was an interesting experience!  I have always been an animal lover, but primarily a cat person. Becoming comfortable with dogs, and even downright good with them, improved my life immensely. MPR is a foster based rescue run by an amazing founder and board of directors. During my 2+ years there we rescued nearly 300 dogs! I stay in touch with some of the adopters and get updates and photos. 

As you can probably imagine, it wasn't always an easy job. Yes, there were a lot of fun moments playing with puppies and enjoying the affection of a grateful rescue dog. But there was a lot of heartbreak when we lost half of a litter of puppies, or ended up with those dogs so failed by humans they just couldn't be rehomed. I will forever cherish my time there, but by the end of 2023 I knew it was about time to move on.  

Over the years, since the radio days, I have been part of the local Chambers of Commerce. With the radio and ACS, I was a member and frequented luncheons and after hours events at the Chambers from Key Largo to Key West. But, over the last few years it was primarily the Key Largo Chamber. The president and I had become friends and when she announced her upcoming retirement my next step became clear to me.  She and I spoke and I took the position as Vice President/Incoming President in February 2024. And, on January 1st of this year, I accepted the position as President of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce & Florida Keys Visitor Center. 

In addition to readjusting my career to a more service oriented profession, I also increased my volunteer endeavors and presence in the community. Upper Keys BPW (Business & Professional Women) continues to be near and dear to my heart. I served as President from 2020-2022 and have held the informal position of Immediate Past President for almost 3 years. I even served in 2 positions at the BPW/FL state level - Delegate to Council of Presidents and Technology Chair. 

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys also continues to hold my heart and a good bit of my time! But, I give it so happily because of how strongly I believe in the mission. My journey with CFFK started when I was asked in 2021 to join the newly formed Upper Keys Advisory Council as a charter member. While continuing to serve in that position, I have also joined the Development Committee, the Grant Review Committee and the new Scholarship Review Committee.  Reviewing and granting funds to deserving nonprofits is so incredibly rewarding! And, last year I had the extreme pleasure of presenting scholarships to graduating seniors at our local high school. 

Another part of my path the last few years has been leadership training. I graduated from CFFK's Leadership Success Academy in 2022.

I am also a proud graduate of Leadership Monroe County class XXXI in 2024.  "31 Fators!" - Best Class Ever!

Thanks for letting me catch up in one post to make up for several years of neglecting this page. I'll be doing my best to keep Suzi's World up to date and trying to share happiness and positivity! 

Thanks for visiting my world! 

Suzi