2024 Spotlight Gala Honoree - Susanne Galanski

We are pleased to recognize our honoree, Susanne Galanski, for over a decade of service to the Ridgefield A Better Chance program. Most recently, Susanne served as Co-President of RABC from 2021-2023. Her involvement with the program began in 2012 as an Academic Advisor, a role which she continued in through 2016. Susanne joined the Board of Directors in 2013 and has been involved with all aspects of the organization, from organizing the scholar orientation programs to recruiting new board members. Susanne has consistently worked to generate financial support for RABC, as an active member of the committees charged with planning the Annual Gala, the Jazz Festival and the Golf Outing.

Susanne’s “roll up your sleeves and get involved” approach reflects her upbringing in a hard-working, second-generation immigrant family in Easton, Pa. After high school, Susanne attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Sociology. At Pitt, she met her now husband of 40 years, Stan. Susanne also earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Pitt, leading to roles in municipal management at Mount Olive Township, N.J. and Dallas, Texas.

Susanne’s passion for helping people and giving back to her community is not limited to her work with RABC.  Over the years, she has served as PTA president, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, National Charity League volunteer, soccer coach, membership chair of the Ridgefield Ladies Golf Association, food server at Congregate Housing, and volunteer coordinator at the St. Joseph Parenting Center. While raising three children, Susanne worked as a substitute teacher and a math paraprofessional in Ridgefield Public Schools.

Many thanks, Susanne, for your hard work, commitment to and passion for Ridgefield A Better Chance.