Audrey Doorn works in management, but it is her volunteer work that makes her a real standout.
Doorn volunteers extensively for Lions Club International, a non-religious, non-political service organization. As a member, she contributes to society in a number of ways. Doorn helps feed the homeless population and also performs three annual visits to battered women’s shelters, where she and other Lions members distribute personal items to the women and children, and assist the women with resume-writing and other job-seeking skills, such as how to dress for success.
Doorn also encourages the youth arm of the Club to engage in community service, debates, and career day events.
“I would definitely be a coordinator of a 24-hour program for underprivileged children, where they will be fed, clothed, have possible medical attention, be able to play games and enjoy all the possible care that could be provided in 24 hours,” says Doorn about her dream position. “Children are innocent and do not deserve to be born into certain circumstances.”
Lorraine Wade, who serves with Doorn in the Lions Club and nominated her for this award, first became aware of her positive energy back in their home country of Guyana, where Doorn was a professional basketball player. She’s a natural Woman of Distinction, adds Wade.
“Audrey’s the first person who came to mind,” she shares. “Community service, sports, fashion, finance. I admire her, I don’t know if she knows.”
Doorn’s drive for helping other people also impresses Wade.
“Audrey wants to see young people do well, excel, is good at identifying a quality that has potential, she is good at motivating people and finding ways to get things done.”
Doorn is also quite good at interacting with others.
“My favorite part of my job is customer relations and learning about the culture of the diverse nationalities that pass through our business,” she says.
Diversity is a very important factor to Doorn, and one of the reasons she loves Brooklyn.
“In my travels as a Lion, Brooklyn is one of the most diverse communities,” she says. “I was privileged to interact with many cultures right here.”
But the diverse population isn’t the only reason she loves the borough.
“The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most beautiful places for a long walk when the weather is good, and provides for a great view in the evening when driving on it,” Doorn says.
As accomplished as Doorn is, the former professional basketball player, finance manager, fashion plate, and volunteer extraordinaire gives all the credit to her mother, Cecily Evadney Doorn.
“She lived her life for family and was her husband’s and children’s biggest fan, cheerleader, guide, and source of support,” explains Doorn. “Even under the toughest of circumstances, she managed to say she was fine and mustered a smile to try to assure us of that.”
So that explains why Doorn has been successful in a variety of industries, but why all the volunteer work?
“There is a direct line from my heart to my actions,” she says.
Neighborhood: East Flatbush.
Occupation: Manager.
Company: Alex Air BnB and Lions Club International.
Claim to fame: “My community service.”
Favorite Brooklyn Place: Brooklyn Bridge.
Woman I admire: “Actress Cicely Tyson, who is a perfect example of not letting a little detour in the road hamper the journey to success.”
Motto: “Bridge experience with energy.”
