Suzie (she/her) is storyteller and communications strategist who is driven by curiosity and a commitment to equity. She specializes in translating what can feel like boring, intimidating, or abstract concepts into stories and messaging that stick. As a strategist and account director at Wonder: Strategies for Good, Suzie works with progressive advocates and changemakers to develop messaging and narrative change strategies that shape attitudes, influence behavior, and accelerate social change. Her experience includes working with foundations and nonprofits across the country on a broad range of important causes such as education, equitable COVID19 vaccine uptake, immigration, ocean conservation, and gender justice.
Prior to joining Wonder, Suzie managed external communications for a national workforce development organization that connects high school students to corporate internship opportunities. She also served as the communications director for a nonprofit focused on community-based healthy living initiatives.
Suzie is a first-generation Mexican-American and native Houstonian. She serves on the board of MOVE Texas to engage and organize young voters. When she’s not writing for work, she’s writing to her nieces as their favorite and most creative pen pal, and struggling with long distance running and keeping her garden alive.
Why are you a strategist for good?
“I grew up seeing my mom relentlessly advocate for me and my siblings with limited English. I also saw the barriers she faced when words failed her. Language is the key to connection and, when used for good, can be what unlocks understanding. I can’t think of a better way to use my talent than to tell stories that speak a better world into existence.”
What’s your superpower?
“I have the ability to make big ideas actionable. When others are feeling stuck, I get to work on a detailed plan. I find it extremely satisfying to create a tool that keeps the team accountable and moving forward, and ultimately helps to turn a vision into reality. It takes extreme organization, deep listening and a love of color-coded spreadsheets.”
Who is your intellectual crush?
“Stacey Abrams is a legend. She’s dedicated her entire career to advocating for civic power and against voter suppression. After losing her run for governor in 2018, she kept her foot on the gas and registered 800K new voters in Georgia, resulting in record voter turnout in the 2020 election. Did you know that she is also a romance novelist? She somehow manages to be both deeply human and in a class of her own. I just love her.”
