Heavily influenced by her mother who was a psychiatric nurse and community activist, Susan Collins became involved in community service activities at an early age with the community-based organizations Southwestern Neighborhood Improvement Group (SNIG) and the Church of the Visitacion. She helped organize summer educational field trips and activities, Easter egg hunts, and learned to solicit donations for these events.
Susan was paired with Viona Jackson as a religious education teacher for Kindergarteners at the Church of the Visitacion. Viona was our CEO’s mom. Through that volunteer opportunity, Susan developed a relationship with Success Centers CEO Liz Jackson-Simpson.
Working on a variety of projects together, a bond was formed where Susan’s skills and talents were noticeable. Susan later interviewed and was offered a position working with Liz at the Private Industry Council under the Department of Labor Grant called Youth Opportunity SF. Unfortunately, that experience did not last too long, however Susan’s professional skills continued to develop as did the relationship with Liz.
“For years, Liz asked me to become a member of the Board of Directors or come work for Success Centers.” Since Susan had taken a hiatus from community engagement and work to care for her mother, she didn’t feel equipped for this opportunity. After her mother passed away, Susan returned to Our Lady of the Visitacion School as a Development Coordinator / After School Program Co-Manager. Due to the pandemic, she was furloughed, and her hours were reduced to part-time. Susan saw on the Success Centers website that a job posting for school counselor and knew that her experience working in elementary schools, at the University level, and her master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child counseling would enable her to excel in this position. She contacted Liz and applied. In less than one week, she interviewed and was offered the management position Education Program Coordinator instead.
November 1, 2024, marked Susan’s 4th year at Success Centers where she is now the Program Coordinator for Education, Construction, and on the Data Team.
Susan is a fraternal twin; her sister is a nurse. Between them, they have taken the role that their mother held in the medical, counseling profession, and the community.
“I so enjoy supporting our students and watching them make it across the finish line to graduation. I love organizing the graduation ceremonies. Most of the students just need a little extra support to make this happen. Seeing it happen makes all the difference.”
“Thank you to everyone who nominated me. I appreciate you so much.”
On behalf of Success Centers, please join us in extending a big CONGRATULATIONS to 2-time awardee (yes, Susan has received this honor twice in four years) Susan Collins!!
