focus on
Philanthropy
Fulfilling a Vision of an Equitable World
Suzanne works toward fulfilling a vision of an equitable world where everyone has access to build political, social and economic power, regardless of gender or race. She personally funds within the three pillars of voice, access and building transformative power—lifting up the voices of women to ensure equal rights; providing the access to capital, skills and leadership training needed for women and marginalized groups to get ahead; investing in community-led organizing; and building transformative power at the grassroots level. She is also further expanding her focus to support organizations engaging men to advocate for equality and to advocate for reproductive justice in the US and the globally.
Suzanne invests in communities both domestically and internationally through the Michael Stars Foundation, which she and Michael established nearly 20 years ago. She is a frequent contributor and speaker on business and activism, sharing her perspective and experiences around running socially responsible businesses, entrepreneurship, and the role of business in advocating for an equal world.
Funding Through a Grassroots & Intersectional Lens
Photo credit: Nadia Todres
“My approach starts with the idea that if we want to lift all women, we need to think beyond gender and look at race. It’s women of color who are disproportionately affected by poverty, lack of opportunity, poor access to healthcare, and other obstacles that block the path to equity. So given that the root causes of gender inequity intersect with race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, we have to take a more inclusive approach to our giving.
I focus on funding grassroots and community organizations, led by women of color, who are building critical pathways to gender and racial equity. These pathways include mentorship, leadership development, education, and economic opportunity.
I am definitely influenced by my entrepreneurial roots which lead me to favor smaller, nimble community and grassroots organizations. I also believe that those closest to the problem are often closest to the solution. Their primary currency is trust—built through close relationships within their communities and funders, as well as through a deep understanding of how inequity affects their communities at all levels. Trust accelerates change and increases impact.
Trust is my currency too. I’ve always taken a trust-based approach to funding and advise others to donate unrestricted funds. Many organizations are already operating under shoestring budgets, yet accomplishing so much—what they don’t need are more limitations. What they do need is the flexibility to apply the money where they think it is most needed and will have the greatest impact.”
THE ORGANIZATIONS SHE CURRENTLY SUPPORTS
Ms. Foundation for Women Gala
“Woman and girls are not just our customers. They are our daughters, sisters, mother and aunts. They are our emotional and economic backbone.”