Dr. Susan Telingator, GEDSI Advisor for DT Global US, has over 20 years of experience working on activities designed to improve the lives of marginalized groups including women and youth, indigenous groups, people with disabilities, and the LGBTI community. She is passionate about understanding systems of exclusion that prevent targeted groups from access to resources, decision-making, positions of power, and economic opportunities. She has led or been a key participant in developing strategies, designing research, conducting analyses, facilitating community feedback, training, and advocating for populations that too often are invisible to development actors. Her background has primarily been with US bi-lateral agencies such as USAID and the MCC where she worked to help integrate gender and social inclusion opportunities throughout the program cycle.
What is the one thing in this world you are most proud of?
Getting my Ph.D. later in life. I have always done things much later than other folks. I joined the Peace Corps when I was 35. I really believe it is important to have no regrets and I try not to let anything, like age or stigma, hold me back!
If you were doing something else besides this, what would it be?
Early in my career I started my own baking business. It was a lot of work for very little profit and I quickly realized I couldn’t make it work. I still enjoy watching all the baking shows and seeing the incredible creativity of bakers!
