Women of the West Valley
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINE ANDERT— PICTURE LADY PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
Four women share their own female role models and words of advice for today’s young women
Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women in our lives and our roles in the lives of other women. Many women struggle with the need to balance home, family, work, fitness, fun and spirituality. Nurturing each other is a big part of the process, and having a community that supports everyone is essential. We recently sat down with four women in our North Peoria community to chat with them about their own challenges, inspirations and advice for the youngest generation of women.
Suzanne DeStefano Headmaster of Great Hearts Archway Classical Academy Glendale (GreatHeartsAmerica.org) Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Northern California and moved to Arizona fourteen years ago. I have been married for 21 years, and we have three teenagers and two dogs. My great-grandfather immigrated from Switzerland to Jerome during the Copper Rush. When I was a child, we used to vacation in his house that precariously dangled off a Jerome cliff. Who are important women in your life? All the teachers at my school inspire me as they work so selflessly and passionately to nurture and teach their students. My daughter also inspires me. I want her to be empowered to follow her dreams and goals, and I want to be an example for her. What do you do for fun? I love cooking big Italian feasts for family and friends. My children laugh at me because I sing to my pasta sauce when I make it. I love painting rocks and leaving them on trails for others to find; I like to imagine that it makes people happy. What is one piece of advice you would give to today’s young girls? I would give the same advice to boys and girls—a virtuous life is a happy life. I’m five feet tall, wear glasses, and have one eye that works. I’m silly, clumsy, and rather quiet. And none of that matters. What matters, what defines a person, is her integrity, her passion, her relationships, and how much love she shares with the world.
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