Susie Levan empowered women, encouraged health and wellness, and championed self-healing.
Her motto, “Everything happens for a reason,” offered comfort to thousands of women in Broward County who attended her many inspirational events over several decades.
Levan, wife of Alan Levan, chairman of BBX Capital, believed in a balanced life that included family, friends, career, community, health, and spirituality. She often said she considered her life’s purpose to empower women.
On Sunday, surrounded by family, Levan died at home at 73 from cancer. She was the mother and stepmother of five and grandmother of 12.
A self-described spiritual warrior, Levan had been actively involved in the Broward County community as a philanthropist, pastoral counselor, serial entrepreneur, life coach and Reiki master. She spoke often through words, actions and inspirational quotes to help women achieve their personal and professional goals. Her commitment to Broward County led to her being honored by numerous organizations, including March of Dimes, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and Women in Distress.
“Susie Levan was an extraordinary philanthropist, businesswoman, mentor, coach, author and friend,” said Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO of United Way of Broward County
Cannon said Levan’s latest project with United Way of Broward County was a program for women veterans called Operation Refresh.
“She completely redecorated and refurbished women veterans’ homes to help them in civilian life,” Cannon said. ” She befriended each client so she could get to know them and their tastes, personalities and likes and dislikes. She wanted each home to be a vibrant beautiful representation of the woman veteran and their children. She gave selflessly and abundantly and always had beautiful words of wisdom for each veteran she helped.”
Born in Havana, Cuba, Levan spoke Spanish before English and came to Miami as a young child. She often said philanthropy had become her way to express gratitude, and she worked side-by-side with her husband, Alan, to devote time and money to help build the Broward County.
“It is very important to ‘give back’ in any way, to make a difference in my community. I feel I have an obligation to participate in helping those who are in need,” she said in an article in Duo Magazine.
Levan’s interest in supporting and empowering women began decades ago in Broward when she created the nonprofit Work-Life Balance Institute for Women, published Balance Magazine, and led an annual Work Life Balance conference that drew more than 1,500 people. Her nonprofit provided scholarships to young women to advance their education.
For more than 20 years, Levan also led a bimonthly Women’s Wisdom Circle, a spiritual women’s group that taught professional women meditation and other practical tools to live a life of purpose.
“There are many people who we meet in our lives, but only a few will make a lasting impression on our minds and hearts,” said Cindy Kushner, a Broward accounting professional who had participated in the Women’s Wisdom Circle. “These people always listen without judgment and talk to you, they care about your happiness and well-being, and support you at all times. Susie Levan is one of these rare people who will always remain in our hearts.”
TV personality Laurie Jennings also participated in the Women’s Wisdom Circle and quickly grew fond of Levan.
“Susie was a force like no other in Broward County,” Jennings said. “Her impact will live on as one of the grandest philanthropists we’ll ever know and a leader who empowered other women by teaching them life-altering lessons. One of her favorite titles was ‘Chief Soul Officer,’ and if you were lucky enough to be in Susie Levan’s close circle of friends, you knew every encounter with Susie would leave you enlightened and inspired to be the best person, the best soul, you can be.”
The bee became a symbol Levan embraced, wore on her lapel and included in her career, forming Bee Hive Publishing for her self-published book. The bee symbolizes community, perseverence, hope, peace and prosperity.
Levan most recently published Getting to Forgiveness — What a Near-Death Experience Can Teach Us About Loss, Resilience and Love. In the 2019 book, she shared the story of her 1988 kidnapping and near-death experience when she and her daughter were held at gunpoint. They had been victims of a plot to steal money from BankAtlantic, the Fort Lauderdale savings and loan her husband chaired at the time.
Levan said she emerged from the experience as a stronger soul, even more passionately determined to inspire others.
That inspiration led the Levans to become proponents of education and research and actively involved with Nova Southeastern University in Davie.
In 2008, the Center for Psychological Studies at NSU honored Alan and Susie with the eighth annual Humanitarian of the Year award. Three years later in 2011, the couple formed the NSU Levan Ambassadors Board composed of professionals who have a passion for learning, innovation and research. These ambassadors assist in the academic and professional success of the school’s students, faculty and community by establishing connections with community leaders. In 2016, the Levans created an endowed scholarship coined the “Susie and Alan B. Levan Endowed Scholarship Fund” that helps students in NSU’s Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship pursue a master’s degree in real estate development or a bachelor’s degree in finance. In 2021, the couple created NSU’s Fellows Society to recognize and honor significant donor gifts. Members include individuals, corporations, foundations, and trusts, whose cumulative giving to NSU exceeds $50,000.
Levan coached many women to reach their higher educational goals ultimately obtaining employment as a founding member of the Women’s Success Series at Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Just a year ago in 2023, Levan gave one of the keynote speeches at NSU’s commencement ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students. She told students her personal story about responding to a traumatic event with resiliency, rather than allowing fear to take over.
“I think it was a great story, especially since we are 70% female,” said George Handbury, president of Nova Southeastern University since 2010. “Our graduates were inspired by her.”
Handbury said during his nearly15 years as president, the Levans participated in the university’s growth.
“They have become substantial supporters of Nova Southeastern University and neither of them even went to the university,” he said. “Susie truly she felt a yearning and desire to be of service to others and see the world a better place.”
A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at Ramat Shalom Beth Israel in Plantation.