Susan Herr Email Address

Chief Engagement Officer

SAGE is the country's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults. SAGE has pioneered programs and services for the aging LGBT community, provided technical assistance and training to expand opportunities for LGBT older people across the country, and provided a national voice on LGBT aging issues. In 2005, SAGE became the first official LGBT delegate at the White House Conference on Aging. In 2010, SAGE was awarded a three-year $900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration on Aging to seed the creation of the nation's only National Resource Center on LGBT Aging.

I began my career teaching high school English in San Antonio. At 26, I became executive director of a nonprofit that published the fourth-largest newspaper in Chicago. Since then, I have taught nonprofit management at DePaul University, headed a $30 million grantmaking initiative, produced a blog for high-net-worth donors syndicated to 70 community foundations, founded a queer fashion website called dapperQ, and launched an intergenerational dining event for LGBQ+ folx called SAGETable. My professional success has been powered by an insatiable thirst to squeeze maximum social good from limited resources. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. But I could have achieved so much more without the shame of internalized trans and homophobia. If you are someone whose identity has been marginalized in the workplace, I’m willing to bet you’ve got your own version of this narrative But for those of us committed to greater impact, it’s no longer an option to hide our identities, magic, and brilliance. Each day, I’m honored to work with leaders who powerfully navigate the old systems while living their way into the new. Here's how I may be able to help you: One-on-One Coaching -- I specialize in working with folx navigating white-dominant systems to achieve outsized impact (and survive while doing it). Courses -- In 2021-22, I launched a leadership development course for trans and gender nonconforming leaders who hailed from Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the U.S. In 2023, I'll be expanding my offerings to LGBTQ+ folx. Trans Cultural Competency Training -- I offer Trans 101 and more advanced training on cisgender privilege. Free Resources -- In 2023, I'm committed to articulating, sharing, and dialoguing with folx about what it means to queer leadership in these terrifying times. Interested in learning more? Sign up for alerts at TransClue.com or schedule a discovery call to explore your needs at https://calendly.com/cruzherr/15min.