Meet Susanna Padilla

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susanna Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
“Truthfully, many might think I’m crazy, but there wasn’t a calculated ‘thought process’ behind this. My father left at the age of 19 from Quito, Ecuador with a friend with $200.00 dollars in their pocket. Met my mom and married at age 21 in the Windy City, Chicago Illinois. My dad started his first entrepreneurial adventure with an ice cream truck then insect exterminator. Enrolled at Depaul University and received his Masters in physiology. While working for Great Northern Insurance for over 20 years and then opened his own Auto Insurance Agency I was 15 when I started helping in the the office. In my heart I knew early on that I was an entrepreneur working alongside my father at his own Auto Insurance Agency 1989. One thing that he said to me and stuck with me was “when you put clients needs first by giving them your time and compassion the money will follow.” Now I come to realize that was one of those life lessons that we had as a parent child moment because till this day I believe that in my heart.

Although I worked with my dad part-time I had the time and privilege to experience part-time jobs to get the corporate experience.- Jewel Food Store (a large supermarket chain in Illinois), Banks in the LOCKBOX department, Payless Shoe Source, and Currency Exchanges, to list a few. I was a very independent business driven individual with compassion going with what I felt at the moment. I did not want to get married. That was far from my mind that was not an option for me. No, No, No marriage for me… mainly because what I saw growing up, ( men always cheating, young single ladies pregnant while their boyfriends are out and about) No thank you! But then I met a local singer and planted that seed and I was opening to the idea of marriage at the age of 24. Unfortunately, he didn’t work out but now I was open to the idea.

By age 24 I had my own Travel agency thanks to my father having one in his Auto Insurance Agency that allowed me to take on that exciting responsibility and have my very own Cancun Travel Agency located on the Southside of Chicago. I helped my brother open his own video rental store when VHS was around. Talk about ancient stuff!

When I met my soon to be husband he also had his own Beeper Repair business and Retail Beeper Store. I guess this is why it was so easy to me, I was surrounded by many entrepreneurs. It was natural and more importantly taking action. Not truly knowing that God was there every step of the way. That is the only way I can explain the bold actions I would take.

11 years later I GOT MARRIED! In 1996 I got married to a man that respected me, my mind and encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit he was not insecure and we were in a beautiful flow in our marriage and not once had that feeling that he would cheat on our marriage. After 1 year of marriage, I mentioned to to my husband “I think its time to purchase a house but before we do I am going to sign up to a real estate classes just to know the ins and outs so that we will not get screwed over” In 1997 there were so many scams and something told me to do just that. So, I signed up with Coldwell Banker Stanmeyer, went to class. 1st day it was AMAZING not only that the professor confirmed my concerns he brought awareness in how the scams were done and who had their license taken away. There were more high level scams being done as he was saying this I immediately said in my mind ” that’s it! NOT IN MY WATCH!, I am going to be a Real Estate agent so that I can protect and warn people about this!”

Arriving home I notified my husband about my new exciting decision. “I AM GOING TO BE A REAL ESTATE AGENT” he supported me and my real estate journey began. I received my real estate license in 1997 which lead to 23 years of beautiful relationships helping families buying their 1st homes, and then opening up our real estate firm, our mortgage brokerage firm in 2004 and gradually becoming real estate investors in 2009.

I was living my life with many accomplishments and real estate closings many fun adventures.
Life was perfect, so I thought.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Truthfully, the difference is that I am living my 2nd chapter of my life with purpose. Knowing that God is behind my transformation. It was God who inspired every idea since I surrendered my life to HIM in 2021. Looking back, I can say with conviction that I spent years allowing negative thoughts—whispers that ‘it won’t work’ or ‘it’s impossible’—to take root from 2012-2022 with less and less setbacks thinking negative thoughts. 

My marriage became a rocky road starting in 2012. Though we divorced that year, we continued to live together as a family. It was an incredibly heavy time; I felt a deep pull to leave, yet I was paralyzed by the fear of what others would think. I was held in a stronghold by the enemy, prioritizing culture and societal expectations over the path God had in store for me. I thank God for the birth of my daughter; in 2014 she was the blessing that gave me the strength to endure and accept my journey. 

For years, I was in a narcissistic relationship without even having a name for it. I first heard the term in 2016 when a friend told me, ‘You know, there are two types of people in this world: empaths and narcissists.’ The word ‘narcissist’ triggered an immediate, visceral discomfort in me, and I was too scared to look into it—until a video caught my attention after 2 months and an old boyfriend reached out that I dated in my early 20’s that opened my mind to the idea of marriage at the age of 21. Finally, the realization hit me: I was in a narcissistic cycle with my ex-husband. 

“The very first ‘God-idea’ I received was the call to rename my 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and it all began through a quiet moment with my daughter. 
I have always loved the art of planning and decorating; I have seven years of experience from my son’s parties alone! I inherited this passion from my own mother, who worked so hard to give me fond childhood memories. But February 2020 was different. We were celebrating my daughter’s fifth birthday with a Minnie Mouse theme. Usually, the minutes leading up to a party are a whirlwind of stress, but for the first time in my life, I found myself with 15 or 20 minutes of pure peace before the guests arrived. 

As I sat there, I watched my daughter. She was just sitting quietly, taking it all in—admiring every balloon and every detail we had set up for her. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she processed the love surrounding her. Suddenly, she looked up at me and said, ‘Mom, thank you. I love you.’  Those words pierced my heart in the most beautiful way. Seeing her so full of gratitude and feeling so deeply loved for who she is—not just for the party, but for the effort—moved me to tears.

It was in that stillness that I felt God’s presence then, I heard a clear knowing: ‘Not all children have this moment.’ Immediately, my mind went to children in foster care. My heart swelled, and I had to step away to process the vision God was giving me. Every child deserves to feel that exact same sense of worth and belonging.” My eyes began to water, then the tears just flowed. A few months later, life took a difficult turn when my ex-husband passed away peacefully in my arms. Through that grief in August 2020, God strengthened and restored me.

We officially rebranded the nonprofit to Rescue Our Children Organization. God has a sense of humor, too—when I worried the name was too long for a website, He whispered, ‘Acronym.’ I realized it spelled R.O.C.O., and I laughed with joy, thinking of my innocent admiration for Chef Rocco DiSpirito.

God wasn’t done. After navigating the difficult realities of loss, I became a licensed Pre-Planning Advisor, helping families lock in funeral costs and remove the financial burden from their loved ones. After two years of training with industry leaders, God called me higher. We opened our own agency, God’s Kingdom Returns Inc., to bring this life-changing financial ‘nugget’ to families ready to take action. 

My journey then led me to the beauty of Water Cremation (alkaline hydrolysis). I was so moved by the process that I followed God’s lead into the unknown. Just two months later, I applied for a funeral home license and received my license for God’s Kingdom Returning Home—a funeral home that doesn’t even need the word ‘funeral’ in the name!!! While these pieces are still moving into full function, I am standing active and ready. I don’t always know the full map, but I know the Planner. God has a plan, and I am loving it.

Let me be clear: I know God placed my ex-husband in my life for a reason. From 1996 when we married to 2012, when we divorced we had a beautiful, loving, and respectful marriage. But that was the key—our season together was meant for that time 1996-2010. Because I wasn’t spiritually connected back then, I followed the world’s way of living instead of being led by the Holy Spirit toward my true purpose. I cycled through every emotion while learning about narcissism, but I chose to stay by my ex-husband’s side through his battle with cirrhosis of the liver. I believe no one should be alone in their time of need. We were all hopeful—our children, my mother, and my family—but eventually, he reached a breaking point. He told me, ‘Susan, I don’t want to be here anymore.’ He had to say it three times before I finally respected his wishes. My prayer then shifted; I begged God to bring his family to him. I didn’t want him to leave this earth feeling unloved by his own family, especially after twelve years of silence. 

One day in the hospital, my mother offered him help and he reflexively declined. I felt a prompt in my spirit and asked him, ‘Do you think you don’t deserve this? Do you think you aren’t worth caring for?’ He just looked at me. I told him, ‘This is their way of showing you how much they love you. We are family.’ That moment was a revelation for me. I realized I had always looked up to him and depended on him, when our eyes should always be on God first. 

I tried to introduce him to meditation, as I learned from Dr. Crimi and others but the strongholds of family secrets, trauma, and guilt were eating him from the inside out. We spent months in a cycle between the ER and home. He expressed a desire to go to church, but every time Sunday approached, we ended up back in the ER-hospital. 

Ultimately, my prayers were answered. His older brother and sister came to visit. His family consisted of 6 siblings in total. I don’t know what they said, but I could feel his happiness, and that was all I wanted for him. The next day, something told me to bring the kids early so that can say their I love you’s. He had been placed in hospice, and that evening, he passed away in my arms. I thanked him for everything. He was a my confidant, best friend and was there when my own family would take advantage of me as he would defend me and give me advise, he was loyal to our marriage and when we were legally divorced.

I now see that God placed him in my life to restore my view of men. Growing up, my mother’s experiences led me to believe all men were unfaithful by nature. But for 12 years, I was married to a man who was loyal, respectful, and fun. He was my life partner, even if he wasn’t my ‘soul’ partner. 

During the grieving process, alone in my bedroom, I asked, ‘Is this it? Now what? Am I just meant to be alone until I die?’ I clearly heard the reply: ‘No. Now, you are going to live with Me.’ That was the moment I wasn’t sure what that meant but day by day my faith was fully restored. I am finally in a true relationship with God, and I am loving every second of it.” 

“Our mission at Rescue Our Children is simple yet sacred: to bring families together by placing children exactly where God intended—first. Children are treasures on loan from Heaven; they look to us for the light and guidance that we, in turn, receive from our Heavenly Father. 

My heart for this ministry comes from my own journey of discovery. I am profoundly grateful for my Catholic school education, as it was the first place I was introduced to God. It was there I learned that He gave His only Son to die for our sins. Growing up, God wasn’t a conversation at our dinner table, and the Word wasn’t read in our home. My husband didn’t believe in God, and I realized I hadn’t introduced my own children to God until my surrender in 2020. 

Rescue Our Children is a faith-based organization built on the testimony of how God inspired me to celebrate every child—especially those in need and those navigating the foster care system. We are dedicated to spreading the Word of God by creating moments of pure joy and building beautiful memories that last a lifetime. 

We believe that while we are here to experience the fullness of life, we must never forget that we are never alone. Through God’s grace, we are building a community where children are cherished, families are restored, and no one has to walk their path in silence.” Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

One of the God’s guidance is to be an affiliate to a company that also answered HIS call as I am personally drinking a coffee that provides more than just tastes for over 2 years that regulates my sugar levels and provides a steady energy to be able to be in constant flow of easy work flow. We want the world to know that there is a nutritional coffee that provides so much more and I would love to share that information with others while it helps us continue to celebrate children’s birthdays in foster care and children in need. Here is our affiliate link
https://usa.ganoexcel.com/roco

Thank you and we pray that all and your family will always feel God’s grace.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question because that is me at heart….making sure my guests get to know the Windy City! I love my hometown.

First thing is first! Getting them to our best deep dish pizza at Giordano’s at Downton Chicago. After enjoying that delicious pizza we have the most beautiful skyline our view of the Great Lake Michigan is AMAZING a must see. Driving along our lakeshore drive is a relaxing ride. While being in downtown walking down the magnificent mile is a must as well. Any time of the seasons BUT if we are visiting in the holidays you will receive an extra extravagant experience. Our city decorations is something to talk about.

Visiting our Lincoln Park zoo is another MUST the location of this zoo is so beautiful steps away from Lake Michigan close to downtown. Lincoln Park Zoo is very friendly walkabout zoo meaning everything is close by while others you need to walk so much to see an animal. Next door is the Lincoln Park Conservatory (botanical gardens) after enjoying our beautiful gardens we will go to the Oven Grinder to relax and enjoy another dinning experience. Although the Oven Grinder offers many delicious entrees we go for the PIZZA BOWL! Yes! I know it sounds weird but trust me you need to at least eat it once. When I first ordered my pizza I wasn’t forewarned but I loved it. I saw a round sourdough bread placed on the table..I am looking at this bread and thinking “what did I order?” Then it happened-she flipped and quickly snapping all around and poof my pizza! Another reason I like this place the ambiance and so many greystones the architecture is magnificent. But there is a history a couple of blocks down. The Valentines Day Massacre in 1929. Till this day dogs bark consistently when walking in front of the fence.

I live 30-40 minutes away from Chicago. I would definitely take my guests to Woodfield Mall and the Streets of Woodfield for some fun with movie cinema if planned but definitely the choice of restaurants are plentiful and having Dave & Busters is another place to have some adult fun and drinks. Many come to experience our HUGE IKEA store. Before going home we will stop by to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir where all the materials for the mosque was brought from Turkey for the limestone for the exterior and the marble from Italy and the pink stone from India. It is a wow factor!

If my guests are in the mood for fun, laughter, games and rides?! We are off you Six Flags Great America!

Next day we will start of the day nice and slow a little shopping at the South Barrington Arboretum while strolling enjoying the leisure patio. In the evening we are heading to Chicago for a dinner and show at TOMMY GUNS. This is the era of Al Capone and his gang. The place is setup as if we walk in a time warp back in the 1930s! It is amazing and of course we can dress up and be in the moment. I celebrated my 50th and I was in full 1930 mode.

We are close to Wisconsin and Wisconsin Dells is another must to visit if you are here with us.
MONKS has the best cheeseburgers!!! It is a great place for water parks as this is why many come here.

Another day in downtown Chicago is our Great Navy Pier. Enjoying walking seeing the food vendors, events and able to get on the water taxi and receive the history of the downtown buildings on our Lake Michigan near our river walk going under our great bridges. Afterwards we will go to the 95th floor at the John Hancock Building to be tilted over looking down Michigan Avenue. We will then go for another experience the largest Starbucks store as it took over the Create of Barrel store on Michigan Ave.

We have so many museums all located in downtown and all are worth to see I personally love going to the Shedd aquarium, Planetarium especially when it is open to be when they open the large Doane Observatory telescope on Wednesday nights! So many shooting stars that I have witnessed the night we went. Another one is the Science of Industries in the Holiday season they decorate a tree for all the countries of the world.

My guest cannot leave without us going on a Gangster Tour. Know the history of Al Capone and seeing the building and hidden tunnels how he got away and other local gangsters that made it on the newspapers.

Did you say one week? Because I can go on LOL!!! I love showing my guests my home!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shoutout is to our Heavenly Father thanking our Almighty God for everything that I have and have experienced. Intentionally knowing his presence since 2020 as I began my spiritual awakening. In 2025 surrendering my heart to our Christ, Jesus and decided to be baptized once again since infancy in May, 4th 2025 strengthening my relationship with God.

My next shoutout is is to my sister-in-law Laura Padilla. As she asked me to join her to a meditation workshop as this was the 1st step leading to my spiritual awakening.

Which God led me to Dr. Taryn Crimi and The Angelic Guides, signing up for her Channeling Courses and others great courses that helped me through my spiritual journey. A big shout out to Dr. Taryn Crimi.

A huge loving shoutout to my parents. Deciding to reach for better and immigrating to United States and quickly becoming US citizens while putting us through private catholic schools. My mom always making sure that our birthdays were being celebrated in a huge loving way. Instilling in us manners, table etiquette, respect, thoughtfulness, understanding, kindness hard-work goes all way and family values.

Next shoutout is to at first a stranger by the name of Sammy with one question he asked me “tell me your story why are you selling?”It was a miraculous conversation and all changed. He was a Godsend and R.O.C.O’Place was open. Sammy not only was there for me when I needed a lift up he brought young adults and cleaned out all the debris that others unknown individuals would dump construction work on to my property and just like that over the weekend it was taken care of.

A shoutout is to Steve he donated the dumpster in order to get all the debris and haul it out at no charge and donated many game boards for our kids room.

A shoutout to Mr. Jimenez and his wife and his son Steven my sons friend. They donated time and talent in re-drywalling our storage room after the water damage.

A shoutout to Walmart in donating the paint for the entire community center and we had local painters Rafael Villagomez
Jose Luis Aviles and his crew of 7 paint the entire space.

A shoutout to Cristina Silva as she called her friend Frank a plumber when I needed some plumbing done.

A shoutout to a couple by the name of Doug and Patty. the perfect timing when R.O.C.O needed help to clean out the space from the inside the debris and old items. In God’s perfect timing. They needed community hours and while waiting for a dry wall installer to come and give me an estimate they drive up asking if we were Rescue Our Children Organization and just like that God gave me what I needed at that moment.

Shoutout to Lenny a close neighbor. We were in need of repairs for our furnace unit, he calls his friend Ernesto and just like that he saved us over 10k

Shoutout to a beautiful soul and close friend as our children grew up together in school. Belem Franco and her family. She and her family has been there since the beginning when R.O.C.O ignited with the help of Sammy.

Another shoutout to Mayra Casares which introduced me to Genesis Recendez and Sarai James which led to having R.O.C.O be an authorized affiliate to the best nutritional alkaline coffee by Gano Excel. This is a huge break to R.O.C.O as it is and always has been privately funded. Gano Excel brings out a healthier version of you in a holistic approach. Our affiliation helps fund our 501c3 to continue providing a space for foster children on their visitation days with their biological parents with our “Home Away From Home” program. Celebrating their birthdays, parenting workshops, Health Workshops and Family Fun Events!

A shoutout to our volunteers from high schoolers to neighbors, family and friends making R.O.C.O’s events a huge success in having families enjoy themselves and creating fun joyful memories.

Website: www.rocousa.org

Instagram: rocousa777

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescueourchildren.organization

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rescueourchildrenorganizat946?si=Pn3KQhwuZZcCS3Ad

Other: https://usa.ganoexcel.com/roco our link for coffee drinkers to support our cause.
TikTok rocousa777

Image Credits
Loren Calvert, Melvina Lewis, Gif Feliciano, Daavid Holmes