SPOTLIGHT RACE: Sue Durichko for OH-SD24
Sue was born into a large Catholic family in Parma, Ohio. Persevering through the dynamic struggles large families face Sue found herself with an unwavering strength and tenacity that (She) balanced with a genuine empathy. This depth of character prepared her to embrace motherhood. As a young, single mother Sue faced the hardship of multi-level insecurity that many young mothers face: financial, educational, and social struggles. In addition to the hardship of being outside of traditional community, Sue faced loneliness and isolation from poverty. Despite working overtime and utilizing supportive programs -such as WIC and Healthy Start- it still felt impossible to move forward but Sue refused to give up. Sue’s tenacity paid off. She and her husband, Dan, have been together for over 25 years raising three beautiful children. Together they have celebrated and struggled but most importantly they have loved one another and kept their focus, as a family, forward.
Sue, persevered through the struggles of balancing home and family, to better herself, her career, and her family through education. She enrolled in nursing school at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville (The Parma School of Practical Nursing). Though she and her family faced difficulties, Sue maintained perfect attendance, graduated second in her class with honors, and served as class president. Sue began her work as a nurse, tapping into her deep-rooted empathy she approached each patient and assignment with the utmost care and respect exemplifying a true holistic approach. She was quickly recognized as a leader and because of this Sue was promoted from a charge nurse, to a director of nursing, to her current role as a Clinical Specialist. In this role, she supports various senior living communities (assisted living and memory care) in four states.
Sue expressed that it feels great to be in alignment with who you are, she feels that she is designed to care for and represent others something she does through her work but also through her service to the public. Sue served on her school's advisory board and has taken on various civic roles including Charter Review Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City Council at Large in Parma Heights. She also serves on several committees. Sue continues to enjoy volunteer work and giving support to many community programs.
Currently, Sue finds herself in an optimal position to utilize her skill set as an empathetic leader and advocate and grow her ability, not only to serve Parma Heights, but all the other cities that make up District 24; Sue is confident that she will successfully represent the people. She is committed to being diligent and loyal to the duties of the seat. Sue has promised to combat any attacks on democracy or the democratic process, she pledges to uphold the collective voices of the people and to protect the integrity of their will as reflected during the voting process. Sue believes that together we can find hope for a brighter tomorrow!
https://www.sueforohio.com/