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Susan Cheng
Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Georgetown School of Medicine
Professional Background
Susan Cheng is a distinguished educational leader with a rich and diverse background that spans various realms of higher education, educational consulting, social entrepreneurship, and public education. Throughout her career, Susan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting access, academic support, retention, and the overall success of college students. Her strategic vision and innovative leadership have led to the development and implementation of numerous programs aimed at enhancing student experiences and outcomes.
With a strong emphasis on leadership innovation and evidence-based program development, Susan has not only designed and launched progressive pilot programs but also expertly managed their execution to ensure impactful results. Her adeptness in research and curriculum development embraces the integration of new and emerging technologies, as well as online learning platforms, allowing her to stay at the forefront of educational advancements.
In addition to her administrative prowess, Susan is dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and fostering alumni development—efforts that are critical in promoting student leadership, diversity, and campus involvement. Her collaborative approach enables her to build partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders, including college administrators, faculty, education leaders, academic and student services departments, and employers.
Education and Achievements
Susan Cheng's educational journey is marked by her pursuit of excellence in education policy and leadership. She earned her Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) with a focus on Education Policy from the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Additionally, she holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) with concentrations in Housing & Urban Development and Political Advocacy/Leadership from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Mass Communications, along with a minor in Education Studies.
Her involvement with notable organizations showcases her leadership skills and dedication to educational equity. Currently, Susan serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the School of Medicine at Georgetown University, where she leverages her expertise to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to thrive.
One of her notable contributions to student success has been her role as Co-Founder of the GUMC Bias Reduction Improvement Coaching Program (BRIC) at Georgetown University Medical Center. This innovative initiative seeks to foster a more inclusive academic environment, addressing bias and promoting mutual respect among students and faculty.
Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Susan Cheng has gained invaluable experience embodying various leadership roles at Georgetown University Medical Center, including Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at the School of Medicine. Her contributions to student support also include her time as Director of College Programs Design at BeyondZ, now integrated into Braven, where she was instrumental in shaping programs that enhance students’ professional skills.
Moreover, Susan has worked with NewSchools Venture Fund as an Associate Partner and Doctoral Resident within the Harvard EdLD program, focusing on strategic initiatives that enhance educational opportunities in underserved communities. Her early career experiences, such as serving as a Freshman Proctor at Harvard University and in executive recruitment and talent development roles at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), have laid a strong foundation for her robust capabilities in educational leadership.
Additionally, her volunteering experience as a Logistics Volunteer with Partners In Health and her role on the Mayoral Transition Team as Special Assistant to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development for the D.C. Government highlight her dedication to public service and community engagement.
In every capacity, Susan has demonstrated her passion for nurturing educational environments where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive, striving to foster success and resilience among college students. Her visionary approach, combined with her extensive background in policy, program development, and student services, underscores her status as an accomplished educational leader dedicated to making a lasting impact in the field of higher education.