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Susan Nielsen
Executive Director at Portland Workforce Alliance
Susan Nielsen is the Executive Director of Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA), a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and career education for high school students.12 She has held this position since 2018, after previously serving as the program and communications director and interim executive director.3
Background and Experience
Susan Nielsen brings over 25 years of experience to her role, with a background in education, community-building, and public policy in the Northwest.1 Prior to joining PWA, she worked as a journalist and editor.1 Her career has primarily focused on identifying and reducing barriers to opportunity in public education.1
Role at Portland Workforce Alliance
As Executive Director, Susan Nielsen is responsible for:
- Leading programs, communications, and fundraising efforts2
- Overseeing a staff of four3
- Sharpening the organization's equity focus
- Expanding meaningful career experiences for students1
Personal Insights
- Susan joined PWA in 20141
- Her first full-time job was as an Alaska deckhand, which taught her valuable lessons about persistence, optimism, and the importance of good raingear1
- She believes in the power of helping young people find satisfying career paths1
Career Advice
Susan Nielsen's career advice is to "Envision the life you want, then find work that propels you toward that life every day."1
