Susan Ro

Susan was born and raised in north New Jersey, but her undergraduate studies at GWU, graduate studies at GMU, as well as her career path and community-building, have all been in the DMV and she now considers this area home.

Susan is joining APAICS with a strong desire to contribute to the strengthening and empowering of AA & NH/PI women, and to develop a true network of support for all, from those who are already seasoned elected officials, to those who are aspiring to jumpstart their career in public service. As an Asian American and Korean American woman herself, this is an area that Susan has always felt a deep passion for and she is blessed to now be a part of this amazing movement. She has an extensive background in program management, much of which has been within the public health realm with the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). During the height of the pandemic under Dr. Anthony Fauci’s leadership, Susan had the opportunity to collaborate with the Japanese health delegation to organize an urgent call for COVID-19 vaccine research effort across multiple participating countries. It was this project that ignited her interest in providing support for our AA & NH/PI leaders who serve at all levels of public service–but her heart is drawn especially toward our women in leadership, as oftentimes the under-recognized but very vital areas of work that cultivate growth and positive changes are carried out by the dedicated mothers, daughters, and sisters all around us. 

She brings that drive and fervor to APAICS and to the Women’s Collective program. She is eager to connect with members and hear about everyone’s unique stories, aspirations, challenges that our organization can help address, and milestones that we can celebrate as a community! Susan believes that now is more important than ever for all of us to put forth our talents, strengths, and voices–and by coming together and building each other up, she hopes to contribute to the Women’s Collective so that the program can be a source of empowerment for those making an impact now, as well as for those who will receive the baton in future generations. 

Susan is excited to be a part of the Women’s Collective and she looks forward to learning about the ideas and suggestions our members may have on how APAICS can continue to support those in our community. 

Outside of work, Susan enjoys running, cooking and trying new recipes, travelling, and exploring new trails with her husband and 2-year-old rescue pup from Korea!