Meet suzanne

Suzanne Smith is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, speaker and author who believes everyone can be a changemaker. As CEO of Social Impact Architects and adjunct professor, she has spent almost three decades advising nonprofits, foundations, corporations and social entrepreneurs on how to design game-changing solutions for our most pressing social issues. She authors Social TrendSpotter – named one of the sector’s top blogs by “The Huffington Post”.

Her forthcoming book, The Nonprofit Flywheel: A Playbook for Sustainable Growth, Smarter Strategy and Lasting Impact distill her signature approach: practical, hopeful strategies that bridge research and real-world practice. A graduate of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, Suzanne is a sought-after keynote speaker and executive education instructor who has trained thousands of leaders nationwide.

about suzanne

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

  • MBA, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business

  • Selected as CASE (Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship) Scholar

  • Adjunct Professor – The University of Texas at Arlington

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Best for the World Small Business Award, B Lab

  • Top 10 Social Sector Blog, Huffington Post

  • Next Generation Social Entrepreneurs Award, SE Alliance

  • Young ATHENA Award, Dallas Regional Chamber

  • 40 Under 40 Award, Dallas Business Journal

  • Women in Business Award, City of Dallas

  • 2014 Collaboration of the Year, Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas

COMMUNITY LEADER

  • TEDx Speaker, “Everyone Can be a Changemaker”

  • City of Dallas –  Past Appointments to City of Dallas’ Arts and Culture Commission, Library Board, Landmark Commission, Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty, Mayor’s Commission on Homelessness, South Dallas/Fair Park Trust (Vice Chair), Landmark Commission, and Board of Adjustment (Vice Chair)

  • Member, Junior League, Leadership Dallas, Dallas Summit and Leadership North Texas

why work with suzanne

Nonprofit Expertise

  • 30 years in the social sector — she speaks your language.

Proven Frameworks

  • From layered logic models to ecosystem mapping, Suzanne gives leaders tools they’ll actually use.

Tailored for Your Audience

  • Every keynote and workshop is customized to meet your goals.

Engaging Delivery

  • High-energy, story-driven, and rooted in real-world results.

Planner-Friendly Process

  • Prompt communication, clear materials, and a turnkey event experience.

What You Can Expect

  • Detailed speakers packet with everything you need, including bios, pictures and customizable options

  • Prompt replies to emails and calls

  • Discussion of your needs and preferences prior to event, so we can better understand how to best serve your audience

  • Social media announcements about your event to drive attendance and engagement

  • Dynamic, customized presentation focused on your needs

  • Custom resource follow-up, including links and slides

  • Follow-up email to gauge impact