Classified Employee Winner

2021-22 Classified Employee of the Year

Suzanne (Suzie) Vega-Bradley, Office Manager at STEM Launch

Suzie is the Office Manager at STEM Launch and as one of her nominations describes her, “the glue that holds our building together.” She is a leader in her building and can always be found helping out each day with supporting families, students and staff in any way needed while always spreading happiness and care. Many examples were shared of how Suzie goes above and beyond with every task thrown her way including: 

• For the "Fall in Love with Reading Night" put on by the literacy team, Suzie created a beautiful entryway welcoming students and families with fall colored balloons and fall decorations. She put together a delicious spread for a nacho bar and helped organize student ambassadors and PTO volunteers to serve dinner for families. She put together donations of books and literacy games as raffle prizes to generate interest in the event. She picked up supplies to build bookshelves, which families decorated together that night.

• This winter she pitched the idea of JoyFest for students to counteract pandemic blues and isolation by infusing joy for all. This took place the afternoon before winter break and included hot cocoa and books, face painting, and a middle school dance. Suzie helped organize volunteers and created a winter wonderland in our school which generated much joy, connection and cheer.

• Suzie doesn't miss anyone's birthday OR appreciation day! For example, for the week honoring Learning Specialists, she created T Shirts at home that say "Collecting Data is my Cardio" and posters for their classroom doors. For mental health professionals week, she created T-shirts at her home on her own time that say "Atom's favorite counselor". She has even created STEM Launch baby onesies for staff on maternity leave.

• Suzie has started a coffee cart on days when we know staff needs a quick pick me up and staff LOVE this effort. The cart is also decorated with homemade posters with sayings and themes such as, "Thanks a latte for everything" Or "We DONUT know what we would do without you!" The feedback we've received is that it makes people feel seen and cared for (and we all know that Suzie is behind it!). It’s truly incredible that one person can give so much. 

• Suzie has acquired truckloads of donations over the years to support our Atom's Family Resource Center (community resource closet). She calls and inquires at stores to ask for school supplies, clothing, and food donations to support STEM Launch families. Anything a student needs can be found within that room. Suzie works to organize the community closet in a way that makes students feel valued and important when they visit.

Suzie has truly created a caring network that makes everyone feel supported and inspired to give back. She is an inspiration!