“This recognition is valuable because it lets younger women be inspired by those who have walked ahead of them. Once they become Women of Achievement, their experiences will be the impetus for women walking behind them.”
Lin Sue Cooney’s path has been irrevocably shaped by two things: her strong faith and her love of writing. As it turns out, that was a perfect combination. She was destined to find her life’s purpose in the extraordinary power of words — weaving stories that educate, inspire and help people in need.
The eldest of four children, raised by a strong single mom who championed education, Cooney graduated cum laude with a double major in English and Political Science from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and then pursued her MSJ degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She worked at several TV stations — including a 31-year stint at KPNX-12, where she won nine Emmy awards for excellence in reporting and anchoring.
Over the years, Cooney covered a lot of breaking news but sprinkled in plenty of lighter moments — determined to balance tragic stories with those of hope and kindness. In a series of touching reports from China, she took viewers along on a trip to adopt her youngest son.
Cooney considers motherhood one of life’s greatest blessings — and she’s grateful to have been generously blessed four times. All four astonish her with their talents, interests and giving hearts.
By example, she teaches them the joy of serving others, making community service a top priority. She volunteers time on behalf of countless charities, raising funds for worthy causes like cancer research, pediatric care, women’s shelters, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, pet rescue, veteran support and music and the arts.
After three rewarding decades in television news, Cooney was ready for a new challenge and joined the leadership team at not-for-profit Hospice of the Valley. Having experienced the agency’s care with friends and family, she felt drawn to the agency’s mission of comfort, dignity and compassion. In her role as director of community engagement, she oversees fund development, volunteers, business development and marketing.
In her marketing capacity, she draws upon her love of storytelling to dispel myths and educate our community about hospice care. Her leadership style is the same one she honed in her television career — teamwork all the way. Cooney believes collaboration maximizes each person’s gifts and talents to create something more powerful and impactful than is otherwise possible.
This award is an unexpected surprise — and a humbling one. To Cooney, being a Woman of Achievement means using all the gifts and blessings that have been given to her, sharing all of them, wasting none, and empowering everyone she encounters each and every day to do the same.
Organization Name: Hospice of the Valley
Main Office Address: 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona
Phone: (602) 530-6900
Website: www.hov.org
