Susan Shaer
Giving Women a Seat at the Table

Executive Director, Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND)

Susan Shaer has known for a long time that women have different character strengths than men — but the challenge has been how to leverage those qualities in a political world where most policy-makers are men. As Executive Director of Women’s Action for New Directions, Susan energizes women from all backgrounds — including 37 women members of Congress — to collaborate and bring new perspectives on issues of concern to all women: war and peace, the environment and issues affecting our families. WAND nurtures women leaders early in their political careers, when they are serving as local and state legislators, and helps them understand and influence federal policies that directly affect their constituents. With Susan’s encouragement, the women who make up the Women Legislators’ Lobby often go on to become national leaders in Congress with a unique commitment to peace and security.

Susan hasn’t just promoted the values of peace in the world; she has also modeled them at home, where she raised two politically engaged daughters. Daughter Alix, who works for the American Cancer Society, likes to introduce her mom by saying that she works for world peace. “That’s a perfect conversation starter,” Susan says, “because there should always be a conversation about peace.”