In a metro area like that of Raleigh’s which feels much smaller than it actually is, it’s normal to regularly cross paths with others in the business community; thus, I’d crossed paths with Susie Silver for years. However, when I saw her featured on a Women Empowering Women panel in September of 2019, I was extremely impressed by her poise, her empathy and how well she shared both personal experiences as well as how humans from all walks of life can use our own experiences to grow, build bridges and lift up those around us. Then, when Emily Grey hosted Susie over Zoom to convey tactics for being a DEI ally, I was so moved by Susie’s experiences and had to start sharing her overflowing expertise with anyone and everyone, including my NAWBO sisters and several valued clients. Susie is a wealth of knowledge, and she always shares that information in a way that is easy to digest and breaks down barriers while creating a safe space for vulnerability. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Susie Silver

Susie Silver, CDE (she/her) is an experienced and effective consultant, strategist, facilitator and content creator. She is also an LGBTQ+ subject matter expert and Certified Diversity Executive. In addition to general DEI consulting, Susie facilitates training, listening and discussion sessions. She also works collaboratively with clients in creating DEI goals and action plans. She helps redefine company cultures that allow all people to feel welcomed, valued, respected and heard.

Susie’s career includes eighteen years in public education, and, in 2015, she founded With Pride Consulting to create actionable change for the LGBTQ+ population in schools and the workplace. Her reputation for being up-front and authentic about DEI topics has contributed to Susie’s success. Her down to earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn and feel safe while they share vulnerable moments. Susie artfully mixes her professional experience with her personal experiences and coming out story to bridge the knowledge deficit and help others on their DEI journeys. In February 2021, she joined The Diversity Movement team, where her unique perspective and future-ready business strategies are amplified as a consultant who drives awareness and shared accountability across all diversity traits including gender identity, race, ethnicity, age and mental as well as physical abilities. Susie’s expertise has deepened recruitment pools, increased employee productivity and boosted companies’ bottom lines.

Susie is also an accomplished artist. Her contemporary artwork is created in her studio at Artspace in Raleigh, NC. Her work has been featured in numerous venues throughout North Carolina and HGTV’s Love It Or List It.

Susie lives in Cary, North Carolina, with her wife, two children and a dog named Clark Griswold who they rescued 11 years ago. When she is not consulting or speaking, Susie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, painting and baking delicious treats. Plus, Susie loves the beach and searching for sea glass along with supporting the local professional soccer team, NC Courage, in the National Women’s Soccer League.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Susie Silver

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

The Diversity Movement is a Boutique Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Group, Business Strategists that help unlock workplace excellence and improve the business bottom line through consulting and products.

With Pride Consulting offers LGBTQ+ Inclusion services (including consulting, education and coaching) for the workplace, educational facility and individuals on their allyship journey.

Susie Silver Art creates original artwork, artist development coaching and workshops, although I am on hiatus currently from this business.

Why did you start your company?

For With Pride Consulting, my story redefined my purpose. After surviving being outed and the unfortunate outcomes of that, I chose to tell my story and focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion efforts in the workplace and educational facilities.

Susie Silver Art was a natural progression from finding myself as an artist again after years of being dormant in my practice. Things started slowly and grew in different ways over many years.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

In my work at With Pride Consulting and being a member of The Diversity Movement team, I purposefully decide to have honest and difficult conversations every day in hopes of creating safer, more equitable spaces for people. I only hope the work I do makes a difference and creates lasting and sustainable impact.

About what are you most proud?

This may be cliche, but the first thing I am proud of is my marriage and family. My wife, Ann, and I fought for our love, and I am proud of the journey we have been through together in the honor and respect of our love.

Secondly, I am proud of leaving my 18-year teaching career in the midst of the pandemic to step into DEI work full-time. I didn’t over analyze the decision; I completely knew it was the right thing to follow, even giving up something stable like my teaching job.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am semi-organized. When it comes to work, I am generally very organized. I love a list, or two, okay, or three! At home, I tend to misplace things and scatter things about the house. It is a good balance, right?

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My wife, Ann. She taught me that it is okay to just be me and that I am worthy of love and respect.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Understand when you are most productive and work from there. I am much more productive before 2:30pm than after. I know how to schedule tasks accordingly because of this.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I do not use any tools or tech other than my Google Calendar. My lists are all on paper in a dedicated notebook.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

I may be the worst person to answer this question. I am constantly trying to find better ways to manage the personal and professional commitments. I have learned to say “no” a bit more in the past year, and that has been very helpful.

About what causes are you most passionate?

LGBTQ+ Inclusion - any and all focused on the inclusion and safety of LGBTQ+ people.
Workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
Inclusion and equity in the arts.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

Another one that I am working on. I am trying to find ways to relax; with two little ones at home, work and community engagement, relaxing is hard. I love to bake and cook so that is often what I do to decompress. And a good cuddle from the kids always relaxes me!

What is your favorite author / book?

I have to say that I am not much of a reader at this time in my life. I listen to podcasts more than anything.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different, it's accepting the past for what it was, and using this moment and this time to help yourself move forward.” - Oprah

One of Susie’s incredible creations via Susie Silver Art

What is your go-to accessory?

Sunglasses

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Using skin care products from CLEAN(er) Beauty Shop, and I almost never leave home without some mascara on.

What is your favorite food?

I love almost any form of potato: fries, chips, tots, mashed, baked, etc.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

The Flourish Market

Artspace

WakeMed Soccer Park – I love NC Courage!

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Portland, Maine (the distinction is critical)

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Love Actually

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Healing

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Believe in yourself and your ideas

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

This is VERY hard so I am going to list a couple:

My grandmother Janet because I would want to know how she would suggest navigating this world in the state we are living in currently.
My wife Ann because we rarely get date time right now.

Enjoy more content like this throughout the blog. Use the search box below to find any specific topic.