Full Biography

Philanthropy

Susan has had the incredible opportunity to live in Harrison Hot Springs for 10 years now. Here in Harrison Hot Springs she can be found giving her time and effort, for many years now, with the Environmental Advisory Committee, Harrison Festival of the Arts, Miami River Stream Keepers, Communities in Bloom, and acting as Rear Commodore for the Harrison Yacht Club. She drives her volunteerism with a professional, friendly, hardworking, and thoughtful approach.

Volunteering is no flash in the pan for Susan. Susan’s altruism has been evident her entire life. Even as a teenager, she was involved in coaching youth soccer, save the children program, rainforest preservation projects, food drives and peace marches, even creating a drama program for children with intellectual disabilities. As an adult, when she made the decision to stay home to raise her two children, she never stopped caring for the community she resided in. She was the Strong Start Reading Program site coordinator, volunteered in Breakfast B4 Learning and an active school volunteer. Environmentally she sat on a ground water protection committee, and a pesticide action committee. Personally she has been a regular Canadian Blood Services Donor, Canadian Cancer Society volunteer, Kidney Foundation volunteer. Her caring attitude for people led her to be nominated for the prestigious Women of Distinction in 2009. “The award recognizes women who through their own initiative, ability and effort, have made an exemplary achievement in their field; women who are outstanding role models because of their goals and the way they have achieved these goals”(YWCA quote). Susan had the privilege of being nominated in the category of voluntary, community and humanitarian service. This award honours volunteers, who have displayed excellence in providing leadership, and inspiration to others and enhanced the quality of life in the community.

Work  Experience

Susan worked as an award winning realtor for 15 years. Her clients valued her expertise, attention to detail, negotiating abilities, and her ability to recognize their individual needs and goals and help them achieve success. Even after retiring she still has people reaching out to her. This is because of who she is.

Her work ethic is well known. She takes the time to research, asks the right question and sees people and understands their issues, wants and needs.

Susan also knows small business. After graduating University she used her knowledge to operate a successful business in a downtown core. She understands the complexities, rewards and challenges of being a small business owner. During the time she ran her business she retained her interest in public issues being a part of business organizations and committees and involvement in downtown festivals. Susan made the tough decision to leave the business after many successful years, to take on the new demanding role and position as matriarch of her family.

Education

Her love of people and the environment led her to study geography at both York University and the University of Guelph. With her focus divided equally on both human and physical geography she gained an invaluable perspective of what makes cities function successfully combined with environmental awareness and attention. The unique geography of Harrison Hot Springs brings on unique challenges and opportunities that Susan sees as paramount to proper development. She has always operated on a philosophy that all things are connected. A healthy environment and economics can go hand in hand. She even completed a research study in England dealing with the function of city centers and how to make them succeed.

Family

Susan has been married to her husband, Brian Galvao, for 26 years now and they have two grown children. Susan has been the driving force and the Galvao family has been very involved in Harrison Hot Springs ever since they first moved here from Ontario. Residents will have most likely run into one or more members of the family, either working at one the local businesses, at social events or out giving patronage to the business community. For Susan, family extends beyond a house, and stretches out into the neighbourhoods and the community we live in.