What makes Suzette Wildly Capable?

Suzette has a true gift for appreciating the humanity in all people. Her desire to facilitate and advocate for the tough conversations people tend to overlook is a true gift. Through the creation of the nonprofit Thick Descriptions, she has helped bring STEAM education opportunities to historically black towns in Oklahoma. She is one of the wisest souls I know. SUZANN WADE

What makes you feel proud?

Facilitating, contributing to, and observing a “light bulb moment” between a parent and child who struggle to learn from each other; people learning from their independent and/or collective histories, and humans embracing anthropology as a way to engage with each other and make sustainable change. This is all in a day’s work as the founder of Thick Descriptions, a non-profit organization that is committed to science empowerment and cultural intelligence.

What keeps you up at night?

I practice to give everything that I cannot change to the Creator. The key word is “practice” – I am not completely there yet. Those things I struggle with are events that impact my immediate family (I am the mom of two new adults; sometimes their new adulting experiences are concerning) and the health of my almost 90-year-old mother.

Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?

The biggest influence in my life are those whose shoulders I stand upon – my ancestors. These powerful humans include my paternal grandmother, my father, and my great aunts and uncles who lived during the Great Depression and are members of the Great Black Migration. Also, my sister who did not allow chronic illness to define her. All influenced me to understand that every day is a new day. Learn and reflect upon the past as to not repeat poor choices, and wake up every morning with a smile.

What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?

The biggest obstacle in my life so far is allowing fear to be the loudest voice between my ears. I’ve come to accept it – fear can be a voice, but it should not be the loudest voice.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Unless it is a life or death emergency, do not press send until you’ve read that email again.

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