Name: Sarah Rebecca Sullivan
Age: 36
Family: Husband, Jonathan; son, Paul Daniel, age 3-and-a-half; and baby on the way due in early May.
Pets: None
Education: B.A. in English, University of Florida 1994; J.D., Florida State University 1997
Admitted to the Bar: Florida, Fall 1997, South Carolina, Fall 2001
Employed by: Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc.
Field of practice: Elder Law, Public Health Care Benefits (Medicaid and Medicare) and Family Law. Currently working on the only funded project in the state to represent developmentally disabled persons to maintain their health care benefits.
Professional organizations: The Florida Bar (appointed member of the Florida Bar Family Law Rules committee; Vice-Chair of the Children’s Issues Committee and member of the Legislative Committee of the Family Law Section; member of the Elder Law Section).
Community involvement:
Member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), a women’s organization that supports other women in education through philanthropic projects.
How did you get involved?
My mom is a P.E.O. The organization began in Iowa in 1869 with seven members and now has almost a quarter million members in the United States and Canada. We have five standing projects internationally that support women in education through scholarships, grants and low-interest loans. The women who are awarded these scholarships and loans range from brain surgeons, to international students to women who need a second chance to go back to school and earn a degree.
Our nationwide membership also owns, operates and funds a 2-year college for women in Nevada, Mo. called Cottey College. It is the only nonsectarian institution of higher education in the country owned and supported by women.
My local chapter also started its own foundation in honor of Marjorie Rice, one of our chapter’s founding members. Now, the foundation has grown to a point where we are able make awards to local women furthering their education.
Why did you get involved?
Ever since I was a little girl and watched my mom going to meetings, I wanted to be a P.E.O. When I graduated from law school, my mom asked if I was interested in becoming a P.E.O.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
There is nothing more special than a group of supportive, loving, determined women. I have been in three different chapters of P.E.O. and, universally, the goals and the dedication to improving the lives of women through education is steadfast.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
The “Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. When I am feeling self-pity, I always remember Randy’s amazing approach to living his last days to the fullest. We could all learn from his wisdom.