Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Age: 58
Was: Investment director
Why I did it: Five years ago, after a 24-year career at Citibank, Suwon Smith left her job at the age of 52.
"I had served the company well, but I didn't want to do this for the rest of my life," she recalls. "I wanted to give back to my community and help people who don't usually get help."
At first, she taught financial literacy through non-profits and churches. But she missed the structure of working for one organization.
How I did it: Smith contacted ReServe (reserveinc.org), which helps match seasoned professionals with jobs at non-profits. Smith now mentors disadvantaged high school students preparing for college.
Why I love it: "I'm making a difference. I see these kids getting into college. I'm touching people's lives in ways that their lives have not been touched before."
NEXT: Manuel Leal
