Susan Weinstein isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, she prefers fast-paced, high-stakes environments where she can really make a difference. “I am inspired by organizations which create a more equitable society and empower the underserved,” she says. After ten years as a vice president at Wells Fargo, Susan came home to her Stanford family, where she felt she could truly motivate change, serving as assistant vice president for Business Development for nineteen years. During her tenure, she led strategic initiatives across the university, including managing two venture capital investment portfolios; advising the Board of Trustees on investment responsibility; developing and overseeing strategic partnerships; managing branding and trademark licensing; and heading logistics for Stanford’s COVID response.
Susan also served as Stanford’s Privacy Officer for seven years, establishing university-wide policies, creating department-level procedures, and monitoring compliance. Her aptitude for jumping from one project to another while staying focused and giving her full attention to the task at hand truly sets her apart. She never gives up and sees everything through to completion.
Susan’s dedication to Stanford also manifested itself when she masterminded and managed the Women’s Circles fundraising campaign. “She was organized and dogged, resulting in over $110,000 being raised towards the match,” says classmate Michelle Clayman, MBA ’79. No task is too big or too small for her; Susan has a keen ability to know where she is needed and the wherewithal to take action and make a real and lasting contribution.
Her commitment to service extends beyond Stanford. Susan consistently employs her deep background in leadership, strategy, business development, legal, finance, operations, branding, communications, and governance to support organizations that serve the arts, education, and children’s health. She serves on the Board of Directors of the California Symphony and Girl Scouts of Northern California, where she champions helping young women reach their full potential regardless of their backgrounds or interests. “I am passionate about the arts and the way they reflect our individual and collective values and histories, create unity across diversity, and feed our souls,” she says.
