I was very fulfilled by the work I did as well as by my family life…I have a husband that was very much an equal partner. And I feel like that made a huge difference…We both have a strong Christian faith and having that as our foundation helped to give us strength and guidance along the way.
Suzanne Rice Simoncini was born in 1956 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Suzanne has resided in Worcester for the majority of her life. She grew up on Chandler Street in Worcester, and eventually moved to Park Avenue where she lived with her parents and siblings above the Rice Funeral Home which her father directed for many years. Suzanne graduated from Assumption College and began her career at UMass Medical Center. UMass opened many opportunities to Suzanne and led her to the career she presently enjoys. Suzanne currently manages contracts at Tegria Service Groups, specifically special projects. When Suzanne attended Assumption, she was in one of the first classes of undergraduate female students. In this interview she stresses the transition of women in education and states that she never felt, as a woman, that she had fewer opportunities than her male counterparts. Suzanne emphasizes the process of finding her passion, through her many opportunities here in Worcester. With this in mind, Suzanne describes the process of writing her thesis as she was automating a blood bank at UMass Medical Center. This position essentially allowed her to find her place in the medical environment. Furthermore, Suzanne highlights her definition of success, and how maintaining relationships while finding a balance with work leads to happiness and a successful life.