Suzy Sobel: LEADING WITH Resilience, Dedication, AND Unwavering Kindness
Photographed by Priyanca Rao | Trailblazers Empowerment Project
Drumroll, Please: Meet Suzy Sobel — A trailblazer in service, compassion, and empowerment.
Priyanca Rao’s Trailblazer Project celebrates extraordinary women whose lives inspire, empower, and redefine what it means to live fully. In this feature, we honor Suzy Sobel, a remarkable woman whose life story embodies resilience, dedication, and unwavering kindness. From raising a daughter as a single mother to dedicating her life to volunteer service, Suzy’s journey is one of heart, courage, and compassion.
Watch this behind the scenes video from Suzy’s Trailblazer shoot
A Devoted Mother and Lifelong Advocate for Family
Suzy Sobel’s love for her daughter, Hillary, has been the guiding force in her life. As a young single mother, she poured her heart into nurturing and supporting her child, creating a bond that remains strong to this day.
“I adored her from the time she was born. I was always hugging her and telling her I love you.”
Suzy’s devotion extended beyond words. She made every experience and outing special, ensuring that Hillary always felt loved and supported.
“She was never a buy me, get me, give me child. She never asked for anything. That’s Hillary.”
Her approach to parenting was grounded in empathy and attention, creating a nurturing environment that shaped Hillary into the compassionate and selfless person she is today.
Volunteering as a Way of Life
Suzy’s compassion extends far beyond her family. Over the years, she has devoted countless hours to volunteer work, touching lives in hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, and most notably, God’s Love We Deliver, a New York City organization providing nutritious meals to those unable to cook for themselves.
“It makes you feel good for just knowing you’re doing something for other people. And it doesn’t matter if you’re paid or not.”
Even at 89 years old, Suzy’s commitment is unwavering. She rises before sunrise, navigates the busy streets of New York City, and dedicates herself to the mission of providing care, comfort, and sustenance to those in need.
“I fell in love with everybody there. The people, the mission, it’s the most wonderful place.”
Her volunteerism is not just an activity—it’s a calling. Suzy has inspired countless others through her example of selfless service and dedication.
Embracing Fashion and Personal Style
Beyond her philanthropic work, Suzy Sobel is a woman who expresses herself through her distinct sense of fashion. Her style is elegant, thoughtful, and resourceful, often curated through thrifting and careful selection.
“I love it. Whenever I would come in wearing a new hat or a new jacket, I always said, oh, I bought it at the thrift store.”
Suzy’s approach to fashion is a reflection of her personality: confident, independent, and authentic. Her wardrobe, like her life, is a testament to grace and individuality.
Lessons from a Life Well Lived
Suzy’s life story is rich with lessons on kindness, confidence, and perseverance. From navigating the challenges of single motherhood to dedicating herself to volunteerism, she demonstrates the power of living intentionally and compassionately.
“Just be nice to people. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned.”
Her confidence and self-assurance come not from wealth or recognition, but from a life grounded in meaningful relationships, service, and love.
About the Trailblazers Empowerment Project
The Trailblazers Empowerment Project was created by Priyanca Rao, a portrait photographer who helps women step into their most powerful selves. Each session is designed to honor who you are and reflect back to you the strength that’s been there all along.
Priyanca combines luxury portraiture with deep listening and storytelling, creating images that not only look beautiful, but feel like truth. This project is about visibility, confidence, and transformation. You leave with powerful wall art that reminds you every day of your highest self.
Apply here to be part of the project.
Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Remembered.
You have a story. You have something to say. Let’s show the world who you are becoming.
www.priyanca.com/trailblazers
@priyancaraophotography
Trailblazer Spirit: Empowerment in Action
Through Priyanca Rao’s Trailblazer Project, Suzy Sobel’s story is shared as a source of inspiration for women everywhere. The project highlights women who have made a significant impact in their communities, industries, and families—women whose stories deserve to be celebrated and remembered.
“Top is Hillary. What else? That I have the ability to volunteer. It makes me feel unstoppable, and it gives me purpose.”
Suzy Sobel embodies the spirit of the Trailblazer Project: a life of compassion, empowerment, and unwavering dedication to others.
Expanding Visibility and Personal Branding
As part of the Trailblazers Empowerment Project, Priyanca Rao specializes in creating personal branding headshots and empowerment photography tailored for women in executive, creative, and leadership roles. This includes founders, entrepreneurs, therapists, coaches, artists, and real estate professionals. Priyanca is recognized as a top New York City and Westchester photographer and also serves clients throughout Connecticut, New Jersey, and Long Island, delivering branding photos that elevate websites and social media presence.
Whether you are a founder, healer, or change maker, this women’s empowerment project continues to spotlight authentic voices through meaningful portraiture designed to help you stand out and lead with confidence.
Connect with Suzy Sobel and Priyanca Rao
Learn more about the Trailblazer Project, a leading New York City portrait photographer celebrating women’s empowerment and personal branding.
Learn more about other Trailblazing women here.
As part of the Trailblazer Empowerment Project by Priyanca Rao, we were honored to photograph Suzy Sobel, an inspiring leader whose work aligns deeply with our mission to celebrate women in leadership through intentional, powerful imagery. Priyanca Rao Photography specializes in personal branding headshots and empowerment photography tailored for women in executive, creative, and leadership roles, including founders, entreprenerus, coaches, artists, musicians, actors, and real estate professionals. Known as a top NYC and Westchester photographer, Priyanca also serves clients throughout Connecticut (CT), New Jersey (NJ), and Long Island, delivering branding photos that elevate websites and social media presence. Whether you’re a founder, healer, or change maker, this women’s empowerment project continues to spotlight authentic voices through meaningful portraiture designed to help you stand out and lead with confidence.
