Communications and strategy that inspire action.

Passionate about social change, I deliver strategy, communications, and coaching to nonprofits, philanthropies, public health, and mission-driven organizations.

Services

  • Strategy

    Strategy

    Strategic planning
    Navigating change
    Engaging stakeholders
    Organizational development

  • Communications

    Communications

    Messaging
    Branding
    Storytelling
    Communications planning

  • Project Management

    Program Management

    Implementation planning
    Curriculum design
    Facilitation

  • Coaching & Training

    Storytelling
    How to get buy-in
    Presentation skills
    Strengthening teams
    Developing leadership
    Navigating change

  • Fields of Expertise

    Fields of Expertise

    Nonprofits
    Philanthropy
    Public health
    Quality Improvement
    Community clinics & public hospitals

Read stories about recent projects
Suzanne Samuel photo

With over 25 years’ experience in nonprofits, philanthropy, healthcare, and education, I blend strategic thinking with a practical approach. I partner with social change organizations to launch programs, navigate change, build capacity, and inspire action.

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Clients

Clients and employers include:

I’m struck most by how she listens…

I’m struck most by how Suzanne listens. Her ability to fuse salient ideas after lengthy conversations is remarkable. She consistently simplifies discussions and translates all those words into relevant, real-world action. To work with Suzanne is to work with someone who understands the joy and trials of organizations with a mission to serve. More importantly, she shares a kinship with the people who bring those organizations to life. This keeps her away from theoretical advice and instead grounds her guidance in our everyday work. If you have the chance, work with her. You will be better for having done so.

Lisa Davies, CEO
Chapa-De Indian Health

She enabled us to become stronger leaders, as a team and individually…

Would I work with Suzanne again? In a heartbeat. As Coach to the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s 14-person Directors’ Team, Suzanne’s work has enabled us to have more honest and transparent communication, improved decision-making processes, and more fun as a team. Our meetings are more productive, with new procedures she helped us build, a larger diversity of people participating, and better ability to have healthy conflict. Suzanne’s sensitivity to group dynamics, commitment to letting all voices shine, and wealth of expertise enabled us to become stronger leaders—both as a team and individually.

Erick Lovdahl, Director of Operations
Alameda County Community Food Bank

Guided me to accomplish our goal…

Suzanne and I collaborated on increasing homeless access to care at a community clinic in Los Angeles. She has been instrumental in propelling the project goal forward, helping identify the resistance and barriers as well as highlighting areas of strength. To enhance buy-in from all levels of our organization, Suzanne helped us see how to tug on the heartstrings of the audience with a patient story, bringing our work back to our organization’s core vision and mission. It has been one of the biggest celebratory moments for the clinic, re-energizing the entire organization. I have to credit Suzanne for guiding us through accomplishing our goal.

Annie D. Kim, Quality Assurance
Saban Community Clinic

Finds innovative solutions to challenges…

A wonderful thought partner in developing strategy and is skilled at finding innovative solutions to challenges, working with Suzanne is such a pleasure. She brings enthusiasm, creativity, and professionalism to each project she supports. Her contributions significantly improved reach and impact.

Peggy Hilden, Director
Health Care Education Management, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan

Energy, creativity, collegiality…

Over the past 8 years I’ve had multiple opportunities to work with Suzanne to improve the quality of care at community clinics and public hospitals. Her training, coaching, and consulting enable these crucial healthcare organizations to communicate more effectively, strengthen teams, and tell their stories. Suzanne uses her knowledge of public health and the safety net to convey complicated concepts in an approachable way. Even more importantly, Suzanne’s energy, creativity, and collegiality foster a positive environment that supports healthcare professionals to learn new skills and create change.

Bridget Cole, Executive Director
Institute for High Quality Care

A master connector who knows how to bring right people together…

Suzanne is a master connector who knows how to bring the right people together to accomplish key business goals. She is able to craft and execute detailed and fresh communications strategies that help advance clear business objectives. Most noteworthy about her work style is her practical and kind manner. She listens carefully and responds thoughtfully.

Maureen McInaney, Associate Director
Research Communications, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan
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