Susanna Harris
Director of Community
Professional Overview
Susanna Harris is an accomplished community leader with a proven track record of driving impactful initiatives across the technology and sustainability sectors. As the Director of Community at Breakout Ventures, she leverages her extensive expertise in stakeholder engagement, program development, and ecosystem building to foster vibrant communities that empower entrepreneurs and drive positive change.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Community at Breakout Ventures, Susanna oversees the development and execution of the firm's community strategy. She is responsible for designing and implementing innovative programs that connect portfolio companies with relevant partners, resources, and support networks. Under her leadership, Breakout Ventures' community has grown to include over 500 active members, facilitating valuable collaborations and accelerating the growth of its portfolio startups.
Susanna also serves as the Communications Chair and Board Secretary for the Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Network (SEEN), where she spearheads initiatives that promote sustainable business practices and empower underrepresented founders. Additionally, she is a member of the Community Committee at Equalize Startups, contributing her expertise to initiatives that foster diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Susanna was the Founder and Chair of PhD Balance, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of graduate students. In this capacity, she led the development of numerous programs and resources that helped over 2,000 students navigate the challenges of academic life. Susanna also gained valuable experience as a Freelance Account Supervisor at Stellate Communications, where she managed client relationships and delivered effective communication strategies.
Earlier in her career, Susanna held research positions at the University of Iowa, including as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Kirby Bacteriology Lab and an International Student Researcher, where she contributed to groundbreaking scientific projects.
Academic Background
Susanna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Iowa, where she graduated with distinction and was recognized for her academic excellence.
Areas of Expertise
- Community building and stakeholder engagement
- Program development and implementation
- Ecosystem building and strategic partnerships
- Sustainability and social impact initiatives
- Nonprofit leadership and organizational management
- Research and data-driven decision making
Professional Impact
Under Susanna's leadership, Breakout Ventures' community has experienced a 30% increase in member engagement, resulting in several successful collaborations between portfolio companies and industry experts. Additionally, the initiatives she spearheaded at SEEN and Equalize Startups have helped to amplify the voices of underrepresented founders and drive positive change within the startup ecosystem.
Conclusion
Susanna Harris is a dynamic and versatile community leader who has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive meaningful impact across the technology and sustainability sectors. With her extensive experience, strong strategic vision, and commitment to fostering inclusive and empowering communities, Susanna is poised to continue making significant contributions to the organizations and industries she serves.
