Rotary Club of Edina welcomes new member Colleen Simpson
The Rotary Club of Edina is proud to announce that Colleen Simpson is a new member of our Club. Colleen's classification is Foundation Administration, and his sponsor to the Club was Mary Hustad and Sandy Schley. She joined the Club on April 10. Learn more about Colleen by clicking on the link below...
Periodically we feature a new member of the Rotary Club of Edina on our website. This week we meet:
Name: Colleen Simpson
Classification: Foundation Administration
What was your first job? Straight out of high school, trying to raise money to put myself through college, I was hired as a secretary at a brand new manufacturing plant. At 18, I was the only female employee! I worked with engineers, designers, accountants and skilled laborers. My nearly retired, Detroit-based boss and his wife took me for my first airplane ride over the green fields of Iowa in their private plane. With the help of scholarships, student loans and my paychecks, I began college the following summer as a first generation college student. I continued to work during the school year and throughout the summers, earning more scholarships and taking out more student loans to complete a pre-med degree in 3-1/2 years.
Who was your first role model and why? My mother. She had the spirit of an angel, a beautiful singing voice, and the most contagious, genuine laugh. From my earliest memories, she coached and encouraged, applauded and often said, “The sky is the limit. You can be and do anything you desire.” Hard working, an extremely dedicated Christian, and wise beyond belief, she was always helping others, loving others and loved by everyone. To her four daughters, she was a cherished friend and saint. She left us at age 56, and to this day, hers was the longest funeral procession to the cemetery that anyone had ever seen.
Why did you want to join Rotary? To meet new people, build relationships and expand my mission to serve others. I was a member of St. Louis Park Rotary for several years before being recruited for a new position in California.
What do you like best about being part of the Rotary Club of Edina? Renewing friendships with people I knew while at Park Nicollet Foundation for 15 years. Meeting new people who are already becoming friends. Being part of Rotary’s worldwide impact of changing and improving lives.
What one piece of advice do you offer other business leaders? Continue to reach out and give of yourself. Make a difference…every day!
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Edina, Colleen!