Suzie (she/her) works at the intersection of strategic communications and research, distilling emotionally complex issues into persuasive, accessible messaging that centers lived experience and uncovers points of tension to reach persuadable audiences. As a vice president at Wonder, she leads audience research, narrative design, and capacity building to build solidarity and narrative power, shift mindsets, and drive lasting change.
Suzie’s work spans a wide range of issues, with an emphasis on advancing progressive solutions and policies related to immigration, health, and economic justice. Her experience includes training hundreds of immigrant rights advocates on research-based messaging strategies to win the immigration narrative; leading research on border narratives and developing a messaging toolkit for the field; and conducting rapid message testing to build support for sanctuary policies and fight back against criminalization and deportation.
Since 2024, she has worked closely on the Winning Jobs Narrative project, an economy-forward messaging framework rooted in the values of working people, supporting advocates in understanding and applying it to their communications across a broad range of progressive issues, including clean energy and Medicaid expansion. Additional experience includes partnering with the Gates Foundation to understand student mindsets and reshape narratives about math to improve learning experiences and collaborating with the Colorado Health Foundation to develop evidence-based messaging strategies to promote equitable COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Before joining Wonder in 2020, Suzie worked in nonprofit communications focused on workforce development and community health. She previously served on the board of MOVE Texas, supporting efforts to educate, engage, and organize young voters. Suzie is a first-generation Mexican-American, originally from Houston and now living in Chicago. Outside of work, you can find her struggling through runs, ballet classes, and an ever-growing reading list.
What motivates you to do this work?
“I’m motivated by my family, my community, and people in general, and by the belief that we’re here only briefly and all deserve safety, joy, and a life beyond just survival.”
What’s your superpower?
“Being equal parts empathetic and action-oriented.”
