Susana Olague Trapani
Susana Olague Trapani is a writer, editor and content strategist who shapes and shares stories of impact and importance. She has been with Children’s National Hospital for 8 years. During that time, her content strategy and writing expertise have helped raise more than $60 million in gifts. She writes and edits materials that span the donor life cycle, as well as web and social media content for broader audiences.
Susana’s past experiences at the American Red Cross and the National Science Foundation gave her the underpinnings of her nonprofit communications skills. Whether it’s responding to a disaster like Hurricane Sandy or flying 24 hours to facilitate grant workshops in Micronesia, she’s seen the strength of communities, witnessed the power of philanthropy, and most of all learned that she wants to leave behind a healthier, more just world.
Susana is a first-generation Mexican American immigrant. She was lucky enough to split her childhood between San Isidro, Zacatecas, Mexico, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her two homes gave her good friends, conversational Spanish skills, and the desire to tell great stories. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area with her husband and daughter.
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
Paul Simon’s songs have been a light for me since I was a teen. His lyrics run through my head daily. But his music about change sticks with me because life is fluid. I often listen to Simon’s “Once Upon a Time There Was An Ocean.” The chorus:
“Once upon a time there was an ocean
But now it's a mountain range
Something unstoppable set into motion
Nothing is different but everything’s changed.”
For me, it speaks to a subtle but profound mental shift I have when I see change looming. Things won’t happen right away, but knowing they will sways my outlook. Like the earth’s geological processes, I can’t stop it; I can only explore and embrace what may come.
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
I work with words to make a difference. They are incredibly potent in any form. Once you write them down, they can linger and influence, again and again, for better or for worse.
My parents. I was inpatient at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s Hospital for a few days as a toddler. My mom highlights the part of the story where a doctor walks in and determines what’s wrong when others couldn’t. She loved his gentle, kind bedside manner. For years, this was just something that happened when I was small. Then I learned that my parents still give to Mott often. I’m in my 40’s, and their thankfulness endures. They give because they want other kids to have that care and access. The power of their gratitude inspires me as someone who wants a healthier world. My parents’ aim — the best for the future — is my aim.
What inspired you to use your writing and research skills to pursue a career in fundraising and philanthropy?
I work with words to make a difference. They are incredibly potent in any form. Once you write them down, they can linger and influence, again and again, for better or for worse. I try to choose better every time. It’s an honor to hear a child or family’s story and help share it. It’s a joy to learn about a doctor or researcher’s goals and help rally others to support them. I’m a quiet person; writing is how I drive change. It felt natural to use my skill to benefit my community, my country, my world.
We can be powerful advocates to highlight any person’s strength, wisdom, and spirit — including our own.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
New challenges excite me. One classic challenge for writers is finding new ways to tell stories. Beyond writing skills, I want professional challenges that allow me to grow an organization’s strategic approach to content development. I’m interested in — and think I’m ready for —leadership positions that make key messaging, priority, and brand decisions.
Personally, I want to remain kind to and understanding of myself, friends, and neighbors. I want to continue to be the mom and wife my daughter and husband deserve. The daughter and sister my family of origin can count on.
Do you have any advice for other women of color fundraisers— whether they are in Canada, the United States, or the international WOC community at large?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a frontline fundraiser or behind the scenes. We all tell stories to compel people to join us. You can tell them in person, on the page, or in a tweet. But one of our biggest charges is to make sure how our organizations tell stories doesn’t harm our communities or those we serve. This is especially key when we’re with orgs without diverse leadership. It’s hard, exhausting work. It’s OK to take time to recover from it. But our perspectives enrich fundraising and philanthropy. We can be powerful advocates to highlight any person’s strength, wisdom, and spirit — including our own.
Hold onto the mic when someone tries to take it from you only because they’re uncomfortable. Hand it someone who helps open your own eyes to new possibilities.
