SOUTHERN NEVADA MENSA
Szilard Nathan Vegas
“I joined Mensa in 2018 and am fortunate to say that have served as Vice President for one of the best – if not the best – President that Southern Nevada Mensa has ever had “Cookie Bakke” until the end of 2023. I am a serial entrepreneur with a working knowledge of nonprofit organizations. Seeing the world and broadening my horizons has always been my passion and proud to say to have visited 100 countries. I am very passionate about making our local community a better one and a big believer in giving back to the community through volunteerism and creating alternative ways to raise funds for nonprofits. Another goal of mine is to create an environment for our members where they can easily connect with others here and participate in the various events that we are going to organize. Building on past legacies and opening a gate for new generations to our group is going to be one of the hallmarks of my presidency. I am truly honored to serve this community as the President of Southern Nevada Mensa.”
Cookie Bakke
“As a long-time investigator by trade, my strongest weapon/secret power was that (get ready) … I looked dumb. (It’s amazing what people will say when they think that the person, they are saying it to is too stupid to process information.) I was able to super-charge that weapon by speaking in mono-syllable words. Once the cuffs were on, so to speak, I’d break out the three, four and five syllable words and feel a certain glee as I watched the jaws drop. That was the yang. Mensa was the yin. My very survival depended upon the balance. I’ve recently slowed down my crook-chasing and now can spend more time nourishing my brain.
Age and injuries no longer allow me to run in high heels or hop fences, but nothing can stop me from broadening my mental horizons. That’s why I’m here. And, in fact, it’s probably why we’re all here. Bring it on!”
