I have spent the last 15 years working in fundraising, partnership investment, and more recently diving into social impact funds. I've led fundraising campaigns for land conservation protections, including working closely with elected officials, donors, and tribal councils and leaders to secure over 4,000 acres of forest and shoreline in Kitsap county- now a park 5 times the size of Central Park.
I am committed to doing work that advances a more sustainable world and more equitable society. I'm deeply passionate about the intersectionality of economic justice, land conservation, the right to housing, food sovereignty, and Native land rights.
I love working with local agencies and nonprofits to advance mission-focused climate, social and environmental justice initiatives + campaigns. My natural tendency is to build relationships and community in all facets of my life. Building authentic and thoughtful relationships is a hallmark of my work in both project and people relations. I am particularly skilled at communicating complex issues that mobilize grassroots individuals and movements and in turn, these efforts activate major donors to make meaningful investments and leaders and key decision-makers to implement social change.
I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Foundation and ecoThrive Housing, an organization collaborating to create King counties first resilient village. And for the last decade, I have locked arms with Indigenous protectors. I faced down Shell’s oil-drilling rig in a Tribal canoe, built prayer and warming shelters for elders at Standing Rock, participated in Canoe Journey, supported multi-day prayer walks with Protectors of the Salish Sea.
Prior to fundraising and activism, I spent my time running large-scale art fairs and events for a commercial art and design college in Portland Oregon. I continue to engage in the creative arts through artful activism, activation events, and storytelling. I bring with me these experiences and skills to fundraising.
Fun facts about Susannah:
- I was born in Mexico City and spent my early childhood in Guatemala City with lots of memories of and pictures in small towns like Chichicastenango.
- I bought a camper van right before the pandemic and have spent about 1/3 of my time out on the road experiencing this beautiful country. I have been to eight National parks over the last two years- with a fun overnight sleeping in a fire lookout!
- I've climbed the highest mountain in the continental United States, Mt Whitney or Tumanguya, the Native name in the Sierras. It was absolutely gorgeous! I spend my downtime climbing and hiking. Mt St Helens, Loowit the Native name, is a top favorite!