Suggested Topics: The Amazing Mom: The World is Waiting for You Susan's recent experience on "The Amazing Race" required levels of planning, preparation, stamina, and endurance that she never knew she possessed. While she never doubted her ability to compete in the adventure, she is proud that, as a woman in mid-life, she was able to prove to others - as well as herself - that age was not a factor. It was all about attitude and will-power. Susan now offers her experiences as a guide for others. Never one to let age be a limitation to her aspirations, she can comfortably say to other women in mid-life, "You CAN achieve your goal...just go for it!" Straight Parents, Gay Children: Helping Families Understand When Susan and her 26 year-old son, Patrick, appeared on the CBS reality show “The Amazing Race 7,” it afforded her the opportunity to share with the world her unequivocal acceptance for Patrick as a gay man. She now speaks with audiences on being a parent of a gay child - the challenges, the misunderstandings and acceptance issues. It's a topic that is especially important to Vaughn and her husband, as their son came out to them in his early 20s. Travels From: Cincinnati, Ohio Speakers  Fee: Please Inquire Speaker Information - As a higher education professional, Susan is experienced in public speaking on drug and alcohol education topics as well as professional judicial affairs issues at the college level. Her recent participation , however, on the CBS reality show, The Amazing Race, required new levels of planning, preparation, stamina, and endurance. It affected her tremendously in the way that she now looks at her life and life in general. While she never doubted her own ability to compete in this amazing adventure, She is proud that, as a woman in mid-life, She was able to prove to others - as well as herself - that her age was not a factor....it was all about attitude and will-power. She is excited to be in a position to offer her experiences to others - experiences based upon her later-in-life career development and her most recent extreme adventure. Never being one to let age be a limitation to her aspirations, She can comfortably say to other women in mid-life that "you CAN achieve your goal...just go for it!" She also speaks to others on being a parent of a gay child - the challenges, misunderstandings and acceptance issues. This is a topic that is especially important to her husband and herself, as their son "came out" to them in his early twenties. She and her son  participated in this most recent extreme adventure that "played-out" on national television, and she have a new respect for him as a result of it. Testimonials: ”It was inspiring to share in her journey - from observing her amazement for all that she and Patrick had achieved, to realizing her newfound sense of accomplishment and zest for life. When recounting her experiences, Susan's message was very clear: 'we are all capable of so much more than we can ever imagine - just push yourself and see!'” -Ohio Psychological Association ”Susan's talk reinforces the notion that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. No matter what is thrown in your way, never give up. Age is a state of mind and should never be used as an excuse.”   - American Fan Company ”Susan's optimism is engaging; her spirit is enlightening; her warmth and sincerity is inviting. Join her in a conversation about life's adventures and you won't be disappointed. You'll be inspired.”  - Delta Zeta Sorority Media Images (click to enlarge)