Get to Know Susan Tarrence, Partner Since 2007

 

Susan, whose daughter complains that she “loves everything” (which we just like to think means she is well-rounded) has many grand and simple interests and is an explorer at heart. Her roots are in Passaic, NJ, and she spent 30 amazing years in advertising, including for The New York Times. Now enjoying retired life surrounded by loving people, Susan is setting her sights on new ventures: finally writing a novel (she was an English major) and helping non-profits raise money. 

Q: Where did your journey in philanthropy begin?

A: I guess it began with volunteerism. When I was in high school, my friends and I joined a literacy program for deaf children at a nearby public school. We felt so good about it and had some very emotional ties to the elementary school kids we saw each week.

Q: What is your idea of the perfect day?

A: Walking in Tucson, a yoga class, seeing my daughter on Skype, eating food I don’t end up feeling guilty about, laughing with Stephen at our dogs, reading and writing a few good pages, watching another episode of a series we’re attached to and sleeping soundly.

Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now and explore it for a month, where would you go and why?

A: Varanasi, India. I am completely fascinated by religious devotion and it is most vividly practiced there. If I focused my explorations in that one spot, perhaps I could figure out this universal mystery.

Q: Tell about a favorite community service project that you have worked on in the past.

A: I’m on the board of the Primavera Foundation — doing tours of their facilities for potential donors is at the top of my list. I have also completely enjoyed cleaning the beach on Long Beach Island, NJ.

Q: Who is your favorite philanthropist?  How does he/she inspire you? 

A: Stephen Golden {Her Partner and fellow SVPGT Partner}. Because he feels responsible to give to non-profits he believes in AND he dives into doing whatever work needs to be done to improve those organizations. He puts his money where his mouth. . .

Q: Tell us about a non-profit organization (besides SVP) that you are passionate about and your involvement/support of it.

A: I am attracted to organizations that help people move out of poverty; I am also naturally inclined to organizations trying to better the environment. I serve on the board of CEDPA, an organization that teaches women in the developing world to assume leadership positions; the Primavera Foundation which tries to give shelter to people on a pathway out of poverty, from homelessness all the way to home ownership. I am VP of their board and involved in board leadership development, fundraising and trying to be as good a board member as the organization deserves — a very lofty goal. I am also on the Rillito River Project board where I learn far more than I contribute. That organization aims to promote a better understanding of climate science through the arts. The most public display of their work is Bat Night, when over 5,000 people come to the rillito under the Campbell Avenue bridge to hear U of A lecturers, poets, dancers, musicians and more. Included in May’s event will be a dance performance by elementary school students from several public schools on the river. Rillito River Project is a testament to the power of collaborative creativity between science leaders and successful artists. I serve on the College of Fine Arts advisory board, too.

Q: What is the best aspect about living in Tucson?

A: Having wonderful friends in this beautiful place.

Q: What was the best piece of advice that you ever received? From whom?

A: ”Spirited cheer saves almost every day.” -My paternal grandmother.