My name is Suzanne Saenz. I have been married to Rudy for nearly 42 years. We have four grown daughters and four grandchildren.
I was born and raised outside Syracuse, NY, in a small town called Manlius.
I am retired after working closely for 30 years with the refugee and immigrant population. I taught English to adult learners at various locations in Colorado Springs and Denver – including the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, where I enjoyed being part of and coordinating and managing the WorkStyles program (to prepare newcomers for the workforce in the U. S.) and the International Professionals program (assisting highly educated adults with improving their English skills for higher education or global business purposes).
Although retired, my hobbies and interests still include being part of the international world. I stay involved with newcomers to Denver through connections with Lutheran Family Services or simply by meeting newly arrived refugees serendipitously. I have currently befriended a family from Afghanistan, with whom I assist with their appointments and life challenges. I also enjoy many meals in their home with them. In addition to that, I enjoy reading biographies, historical fiction, and thrillers. Traveling is also important to me, and I leave the state or country whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I am joining the Denver Lions Club because I long to participate in a group of like-minded friends….to be part of something bigger than myself, and to participate in what I see as very caring and compassionate programs.
What I hope to accomplish as a Lion Club member is to be instrumental with the eyewear missions in or outside of the U.S. and to be part of any other partnerships (Sister Cities) if needed. I humbly bring my compassion and sincere interest in serving others in any of our Lions Club pillars.
Three words that best describe me are engaging, curious, present
A couple of bucket list items for me include seeing the Aurora Borealis, visiting my family’s roots in Prague (and wishful thinking in Ukraine), and participating in a musical – a group dance part. This one is a stretch! J
As a child, I always played the teacher of my dolls, stuffed animals, or friends.
Honestly, my most significant accomplishments have been overcoming personal and challenging obstacles.
I was raised in upstate New York and attended the State University of Plattsburgh, where I studied French. I spent 2 of those 4 years in Switzerland at the University of Neuchatel – a program for French language learners. I also attended CU Denver years later, receiving my Master’s in Instruction and Curriculum for Teaching English to English Language Learners.
