Susanne Bennett spent more than a decade in investment banking before deciding to pursue a dream she had carried for years: becoming a social worker. Today, that career change has led her to SIBSPlace in Rockville Centre, where she helps children and families facing illness and loss.
It has also earned her recognition as a Women of Distinction honoree.
Bennett was one of 18 women recognized by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin at her Women of Distinction Ceremony on July 29 at the Larini Room at Molloy University. The ceremony celebrated women whose leadership, service and dedication have made a lasting impact throughout Assembly District 21 and the community.
“I was surprised, shocked, and immensely grateful,” Bennett said of learning she had been selected.
Bennett graduated from SUNY Binghamton with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and entered investment banking, working on both trading and sales desks during her 14 years in the field. Her path changed after she was home with her children and involved in volunteer work.
When her youngest daughter was a senior in high school, Bennett decided it was time to pursue her lifelong dream.
Her family encouraged her to make the change. Her husband, Billy, and three daughters, Shannon, Meghan and Lauren, told her to go for it, and that support helped give her the confidence to take the leap.
“I have to say it was amazing,” Bennett said of returning to school. “It just opened up my mind, my everything.”
Bennett’s first social work internship was at Mount Sinai South Nassau, where she experienced a range of departments, including medical/surgical oncology, neonatal intensive care, critical care, intensive care and transitional care.
While at the hospital, she saw a brochure for SIBSPlace in a pediatrics department. She reached out about an internship and joined the nonprofit organization as an intern in 2018. After volunteering there, she became a member of the organization and was named coordinator in January 2020.
“I think it’s really an exceptional place,” Bennett said. “We have a tagline where children matter most.”
At SIBSPlace, Bennett helps plan and facilitate therapeutic support services for children with an ill family member and children who have experienced a loss. She also handles budget monitoring and supports fundraising activities.
The work is personal for Bennett. She said that, as a child, she would have benefited from the services SIBSPlace offers. She is passionate about helping children identify their emotions and develop coping skills they can use now and in the future.
Bennett also supervises social work interns and helps with community outreach, public relations and awareness of the nonprofit’s services. Her work reflects the organization’s focus on empowering children and families through therapeutic activities and support.
The Bennetts have been married for 35 years and have lived in Rockville Centre for about that long, raising their family in the community.
Bennett said her career change has given her a message she hopes others will take to heart.
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she said.
