Susanna Williams
Associate Program Officer
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Bonner Foundation scholarship for community service in college --> wanted to be a program officer.
Worked in DC b / c I wanted to change the world. Became a teacher b / c that would actually do it.
Taught 3rd grade for 3 years. Moved to Seattle on a whim, b / c I needed a change. Became fearless.
Left a job where I was miserable. Babysat & cleaned houses until I found a new job.
Started a Facebook group to get a former City Council member to run for mayor & jumped into politics.
Left politics & was very deeply unemployed. Temped. Went on food stamps. Got a job at a tech college.
Received a German Marshall Memorial Fellowship. Helped me see my potential.
Sent a cold message via LinkedIn to a director at the Gates Foundation & now I'm a program officer.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Earlham College
Earlham College
Career
Associate Program Officer
I build connections and tell stories.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Writing
Helping People
Day to Day
I attend a LOT of meetings. Very little of what I do happens without other people's input. I read the daily news summaries from our partners and pull out the most relevant information for our team's work, that I then compile into a weekly news summary, which is one of my favorite things. I have phone calls with potential partners to help us meet our strategic goals. I also send a lot of emails back & forth with current partners, checking on project status. I get to take some risks-- which I love.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I always tell people that the best way to work at the Gates Foundation is to *not* want to work here. Do what interests you. *BE* interesting. Think about what you like to do. Think about who you like to work with. Think about what motivates you. Figure out your core narrative-- who are you? An educator? A problem solver? What value can you bring? Take risks. Know that you have to start somewhere. It will all make sense eventually. Life is nothing if not surprising.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Bachelor
Whatever interests you
Whatever interests you
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You shouldn't leave a job until you have another one lined up."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
