Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat ─ Changing the course of voting for Americans at home or overseas.
October 21, 2020 • 2 Minute Read
Susan
Dzieduszycka-Suinat
President & CEO
U.S. Vote Foundation and Overseas Vote Foundation
For an American working in the technology industry and based in Europe, finding out you will have difficulty obtaining a ballot for a general US election is something that is tough to understand. How do you respond if you are a technology person? Build a solution! Enter Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat, who started Overseas Vote Foundation in 2005 and US Vote Foundation in 2012 to address voter registration challenges. Her current mission is to help eligible American voters to register to vote in the upcoming 2020 election.
Meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat, who leverages her “tech” roots to solve US voting registration challenges.
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I am from a very well-known Polish aristocratic family with a long history of philanthropic actions, including one of my relatives who was the first to abolish serfdom in Poland.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you fly annually?
I usually flew round-trip from Europe to the US, one coast or another, monthly. And perhaps on top of that, a bit within Europe or the US. A better measure might be that I had the pleasure of holding a silver Lufthansa frequent flyer card for many years.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I am a real foodie, so this is a tough one. But probably, Bigourneaux (sea snails) which I ate in Brittany, France. They are not especially attractive, but remain a regional specialty.
Your Career
4. Two achievements that shaped your journey as a leader:
Being the person chosen to introduce former Secretary of State Madeline Albright at an event in Munich, Germany where she was the keynote speaker. It was a break through moment for me when I knew that everything I had done prior to that moment was in preparation of it; and that everything I would do after that moment would be because of it. And so it was.
In 2004, I made the decision to drop everything and focus on the conception, development and launch of the very first ever online voter registration and absentee ballot request service for US overseas citizens and US military voters; and soon after followed that up with the first online emergency ballot tool.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
I’ve benefited from amazing mentors in my life starting from a very young age. My first mentor was a psycho analyst who lived next-door and provided a guiding light and some constructive methods for getting through a challenging childhood. Later in my life, my mentors taught me that it matters who you surround yourself with, as everyone will influence you, like it or not. They’ve taught me to pay attention when opportunities arise, and never take for granted that they will arise again. Therefore, seize them when they present themselves. They’ve also taught me to treasure beauty, to aim for it, to see it in what we create.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
If you can't draw, move on to other things. So it is.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
Through our voting foundation, I’ve spearheaded a very large volunteer program. I personally mentor up to 30 people per year. I interview, coach and train them, then continue to encourage and give feedback. It can be exhausting, but I want to do it and I care about every one of them sincerely. They give to us, and I want them to learn and build their resumes with real experience, as I was able to do. This is one way that I give back for all that I have received from my many mentors.
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
Our current 2020 Boost Ballot Access Program has been the most enjoyable and fascinating project. We are, this year, in the cat-bird seat with absentee vote-by-mail services and we can help more voters and increase our impact!
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Every day, I refine my skills at delegating projects to our team and volunteers. To be efficient and effective, I must offer meaningful and precise communication to inspire productivity and creativity. I am aware, that delegating also comes with an obligation to provide thoughtful feedback. That’s how we close the circle and show appreciation.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
Fundraising. Next to that: coping with this election! No need to say more.
Engage with Us!
For more information on how Americans can request an absentee ballot, please visit:
U.S. Vote Foundation https://www.usvotefoundation.org/
Overseas Vote https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/
To watch a demo the US Vote Foundation tools, please click on the link, below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCjV9cWd61o&t=1s
Follow Susan at Twitter and LinkedIn
Follow US Vote Foundation at Twitter and LinkedIn and Overseas Vote Foundation at Twitter and LinkedIn
To view other fabulous women included in Global Touch's IT Wondrous Women™ blog series, please click here.