Donor Spotlight: Susan Kantor
From St. Paul, Minnesota, to Colorado, and even as far as Australia and New Zealand, Susan Kantor’s life has been shaped by faith, friendship, and a deep belief that people matter more than things.
A supporter of Sisters Rising Worldwide since 2022, Susan’s connection to SRW is rooted in friendship. Susan first learned about SRW through a lifelong friend and classmate, Patsy Tate. Their bond began at Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, where Catholic Sisters were their teachers and daily witnesses of love in action.
And in that same graduating class? A young woman named Irene, now Sister Irene, who would one day found Sisters Rising Worldwide.
The three were classmates and dear friends. And they were shaped by the same Sisters who modeled courage, compassion, and conviction. Those lessons carried her through a meaningful teaching career, from her first job teaching kindergarten in Melbourne, Australia, to decades as an elementary educator.
“I believe nuns should run the world,” Susan laughs. “They were the ones who shaped our love for God. They showed us that God loves you, and we love everyone because that’s what He says to do.”
Those formative years instilled in Susan a lifelong commitment to social justice and generosity. “At Derham Hall, we learned to give of ourselves and the special talents God gave us.”
So when Patsy encouraged Susan to look into the work Sister Irene was leading, she did. “Irene took a world problem and learned how to develop a platform for the whole world to do good,” Susan says. “The PeaceRoom is a great place for people to see needs and easily help. Sister Irene knows how to get the message out about the solutions Sisters are meeting.”
Seeing Impact. Feeling Impact.
One moment cemented Susan’s commitment to Sisters Rising Worldwide.
After making one of her first gifts, Sister Irene called soon after and shared a need the Sisters in Ukraine had: to purchase a generator so children would have heat during the war. “Your contribution is helping make it possible,” Susan recalls Irene telling her. “Within days, I knew those kids were warmer because of the money I gave.”
That tangible connection changed everything.
“Sisters Rising Worldwide gives me an outlet to help in the world for programs that I trust are doing what they say. The money goes directly to the Sisters, and you see and hear the impact from the Sisters themselves. It’s nice to see your investment used in a positive and impactful way.”
Susan credits her parents for shaping her understanding of generosity and philanthropy. “These days especially, when the world looks bleak, we ask ourselves, ‘How can we help?’ The PeaceRoom is it. It’s a really positive way to help those in the world who need it most.”
Sister Irene couldn’t agree more. “Susan embodies the generous spirit of the women who formed us. Her faith, trust, and steadfast support of Sisters Rising Worldwide strengthen the Sisters around the world and remind us that when one person says yes, children are warmed, families are empowered, and hope is restored.”
Now retired, Susan and her husband, Stu, treasure time with their son and two beautiful grandchildren. She also loves swimming and hiking.
When asked why others should join her in supporting SRW, Susan remarked, “It is the best organization, and I thank all who help run and support it. Things are not important; people are.”
Join Susan in ensuring Sisters have the resources they need to protect, educate, and uplift those on the margins by visiting www.srw.org/needs.
