For our latest blog, we sat down with our board member, Norma Sutton. Professionally, along with her husband, she is the owner and Vice President of the World Trade Center Orlando, a non-profit organization that helps companies enter international trade and business.  

Can you tell us briefly about your background and how you became involved with the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange? 

I am retired from SmithKline Beecham (now Glaxo SmithKline) after 35 years of serving in England as the Vice President &  General Manager of Clinical Diagnostics/Clinical Trials Testing. 

In 2015, the Governor appointed me to the West Orange Healthcare District board, where I served as chair for two years. My healthcare clinical experience has led me to work with organizations where serving the public concerning healthcare is a primary goal.I wanted to continue on the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, and am proud to be part of this movement. 

What do you believe is the most important work that the Foundation is doing, and how do you see it making a positive impact in our community?

In the vision and mission we have set, two primary goals emerged that are important to me. One is the Healthy West Orange movement, which helps ensure our residents are aware and can access healthcare and other services vital to a good life. Two, providing services to older people who want to stay active and interact with others to ensure a positive attitude and avoid isolation and depression.  

Why do you think volunteerism is important in cultivating a healthy community? 

Grassroots efforts often succeed because the people involved are deeply committed to the mission. While partnering with organizations and companies is extremely important, volunteers bring diverse perspectives and a strong focus on their goals. 

What other causes are you passionate about? 

Since 2016, I have served on the board for OneBlood, the largest non-profit organization responsible for collecting and distributing blood to hospitals in Florida.  In addition to OneBlood, I am also on the board for Creative Testing Solutions, another non-profit organization that performs testing on blood collected by three companies (OneBlood, Vitalant, and the American Red Cross).  

I am also a Rotarian.  I joined the Rotary Club of Windermere in 1987 before Rotary International allowed women. Rotary’s mantra is Service Above Self and Doing Good in the World. I have been President of our club twice and have served on the Board for many years. I also support the Rotary Foundation, which provides many worldwide services through grants and projects.