‘I take pride in who I am today, the positive impact I make and my ability to overcome my past.’

Susan Perna, Farmingdale

“Growing up, I experienced a history of child abuse in my family. I knew that I didn’t want to repeat the same cycle and become like my mother. Instead, I aspired to be a loving and supportive parent, providing my future children with the confidence and courage they need to succeed.

“My desire to break free from my family’s past and to be different motivated me to create a better life for my children. Today, my children are my everything. They inspire me to be the best mother I can be.

“My passion for giving to them the best life possible also led me to get involved with charity work. What started as a fun Facebook group called Dine-LI [that I] I co-founded became a platform to support local restaurants and food-based businesses during the pandemic and quickly evolved into something much bigger. It became a way to give back to the community and raise awareness for important causes.

It became a way to give back to the community and raise awareness for important causes.

“We organized an annual small business market and craft fair, raising an impressive $80,000 over four years, which we donated to organizations like first responders, Last Hope Animal Rescue, Fires & Drums, Beyond the Badge and more. Our fundraiser in partnership with lipizzastrong.com raised $102,000 for Farmingdale High School’s marching band.

“I have a passion for giving back to my community, which is why I spent 19 years with the Junior League of Farmingdale. During that time, we were able to raise thousands of dollars for the Farmingdale School District. I also enjoy creating baskets filled with Mary Kay goodies to donate at charity events. My goal is to empower women, make them feel important and, most importantly, loved. I take pride in who I am today, the positive impact I make and my ability to overcome my past.”

Interviewed by Starr Fuentes