Biography

Freeman is a Ph.D. scholar at the University of California in Management of Complex Systems. She graduated with honors with a Master of Arts degree in Communication with a focus on Communication Theory. Her 2010 thesis is “A Study of the Importance of Client-Centric Communication in Business Development Within a Law Firm Setting” (a look at transitioning from a practice of law to a business of law). Freeman also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and another in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. Freeman studied negotiations with G. Richard Shell, Chair of the Wharton School’s Legal Studies and Business Ethics Department. She also completed Cornell University’s certificate program, the Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship program and Stanford University’s executive certificate program, Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence.

Freeman is currently studying how arrangements of people, organizations, information, technology, and the natural world give rise to complex adaptive phenomena that pose difficult challenges to society. She identifies and executes strategies that seek balance and alignment among social justice, environmental resources, and economic welfare, all toward the long-term sustainability of people, planet, and profit (PPP).

Freeman has educated well over 3,000 legal and financial service professionals and led strategic initiatives for more than 20 years. As a CEO, founder, and inclusive team leader, Freeman exhibits high emotional intelligence, excellent leadership abilities, and executive presence, which motivates and inspires others, leading to meaningful results and measurable outcomes.

Freeman holds a master’s degree in communications with a focus on communication theory, which involves understanding human behavior and the “why.” Freeman has served as the manager of community development for a business chamber with 3,600 members and was a member of the BRAC commission at the Naval Air Station in South Weymouth, selected for closure during the Base Realignment and Closure program.

Freeman taught "Girls in Politics" to girls aged 8-17 and currently hosts an annual women's event that attracts attendees from various industries. She has created and implemented MarCom campaigns in financial services, legal services, and technology, and has been involved in political campaigns.

Freeman applies a social justice lens and has created successful endeavors focusing on conscious inclusion. As a teacher and trainer in DEIB, she founded a woman-owned, minority-operated company focusing on gender equity.

Susan often writes for Legal Business World and American Lawyer Media. Susan has published two books — one a bestseller, “Own Your Story: Empower. Connect. Create Change.”

Susan has offices in Riverside, CA and Honolulu, HI.

Susan can be reached at Susan@FreemanMeansBusiness.com

Professional Summary

Susan C. Freeman is an award-winning CEO, strategic communicator, and Ph.D. scholar specializing in the Management of Complex Systems at the University of California, Merced. With over 20 years of experience, she has led initiatives in corporate strategy, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and systemic change. She is the CEO and Founder of Conscious Inclusion Company, LLC, a firm dedicated to creating and maintaining equity through inclusion in workplaces through data-driven solutions.

A recognized expert in inclusive leadership and corporate communications, Susan has educated over 5,000+ service professionals, consulted for Fortune 500 firms, and contributed thought leadership on workplace inclusion, gender equity, and business development.

Susan has published two books: “The Ultimate Women Associates' Law Firm Marketing Checklist: The Renowned Step-By-Step, Year-By-Year Process for Lawyers Who Want to Develop Clients” and a bestseller, “Own Your Story: Empower. Connect. Create Change.”

Read more about Susan in “The Riversider,” digital magazine.

As a member of Emerge California Class of 2026 — Susan is part of a powerful group of women already leading in their communities as social workers, teachers, advocates, organizers, entrepreneurs, and more.

Education & Certifications

• Ph.D. Scholar – Management of Complex Systems, University of California

• M.A. in Communication – Focus on business development and client-centric communication, Hawaii Pacific University

• B.A. in Political Science & Journalism (Minor: Marketing), Louisiana State University

• Executive Certificate – Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence, Stanford University

• Executive Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship – Cornell University

Leadership & Career Highlights

University of California, Riverside (Advisor and Instructor, 2025-Present)

• Advisor to the Center for Community Solutions in the School of Public Policy and an instructor at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute through UCR Extension.

• Instructor, UCR Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - Teach three UCR Extension courses (Fall 2025) on neurodiversity, personal storytelling, and standpoint theory to promote inclusion, self-awareness, and effective communication.

Tellapy.com (Voice of Empowerment, 2025–2026)

A digital platform dedicated to supporting women's mental well-being through shared experiences and community-driven engagement.

• Developed and launched a safe, accessible, and scalable platform for peer-to-peer support and expert-driven resources.

• Created a community-based support model addressing the barriers women face in accessing mental health care, including cost, time, and fragmented resources.

• Designed and implemented interactive group discussions, live events, and resource hubs to empower women through storytelling and connection.

• Advocates for integrative mental wellness, making support systems more relatable, preventative, and continuous.

• Works with mental health professionals, wellness experts, and technology teams to expand digital inclusion in mental health solutions.

Conscious Inclusion Company, LLC (2019–2025)

• Founder & CEO of a woman-owned, minority-operated consulting firm specializing in Artificial Intelligence NLP/SA, corporate DEI strategy, leadership development, and inclusive communication.

• Developed a data-driven framework to measure inclusion, leveraging AI/NLP sentiment analysis for workplace culture assessments.

• Provides executive coaching and corporate training on inclusive leadership, bias mitigation, and strategic storytelling.

• Works with organizations to align DEI goals with business strategy, ensuring measurable impact.

Freeman Means Business (2010–Present)

• National keynote speaker, podcast host, and corporate trainer focused on inclusive communication and women’s leadership.

• Advocates for gender equity through educational programs, workshops, and media contributions.

• Hosts #EmpoweredWomen events, a platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in leadership.

• Taught “Girls in Politics,” a full-day program on history, government, and politics for girls ages 7-15.

Corporate Communications (1995–2018)

• Business Development & Communications Leader in top-tier law firms, including Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, where she developed the Munger U. attorney training program.

• Held leadership roles in marketing, internal communications, and business strategy at various organizations, including Thomson Reuters, Pacific Gas & Electric, and State Street Corporation.

• Specialized in client service strategy, brand positioning, and attorney training in business development.

• Vice President, Technology Sales, State Street Global Link

Key Areas of Expertise

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) – Advises companies on systemic policy changes focusing on pay equity, pipeline development, inclusive hiring, and leadership accountability.

• Complex Systems & Organizational Behavior – Applies systems thinking to business strategy and public policy, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

• Strategic Storytelling & Public Speaking – Uses narrative-driven communication to advocate for change, increase stakeholder engagement, and inspire leadership action.

• Corporate & Public Sector Leadership – Expertise in navigating government relations, regulatory affairs, and policy development.

• Military & Veteran Advocacy – As a Navy wife and mother, she actively supports women veterans, military families, and gender equity in the armed forces.

Public Policy & Community Engagement

• Member of Emerge California Class of 2026 — a powerful group of women already leading in their communities as social workers, teachers, advocates, organizers, entrepreneurs, and more. Ready to take the next step in my public service journey.

• Ambassador for the County of Riverside, Inland Empire Chamber of Commerce - Represent the County of Riverside in regional business and civic initiatives, creating partnerships between public agencies and the business community to promote economic development, regional collaboration, and inclusive growth across the Inland Empire.

• Member, Advisory Board, UCR School of Public Policy, Center for Community Solutions - Provide strategic guidance to advance research and policy solutions addressing regional challenges in the Inland Empire. Collaborate with academic leaders and community stakeholders to support equitable, data-driven initiatives that strengthen civic infrastructure and public well-being.

• Instructor, UCR Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - Teach three UCR Extension courses (Fall 2025) on neurodiversity, personal storytelling, and standpoint theory to promote inclusion, self-awareness, and effective communication.

• Member, Riverside Games Committee – Tasked with strategic communications plan to attract delegations for the 2028 Olympic Games.

• Member, RUHS Foundation Festival of Trees Committee - The Riverside University Health System Foundation mission is to partner with donors and community leaders to expand access, address health disparities, and deliver compassionate, high-quality care through RUHS. The festival raises funds for pediatric care, neonatal intensive care, and behavioral health programs.

• Museum of Riverside’s Grand Opening Steering Committee - The Museum is undergoing a major renovation/expansion project, combining the historic 1912 post office structure with a new two-story addition. The City Council has approved design and budget for the project and the museum is planning for a grand reopening in 2027. It is actively planning exhibits and interpretive direction ahead of time through public talks via a steering committee for the reopening.

• Member, Riverside Philharmonic Board - The Riverside Philharmonic's mission is to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Inland communities through symphonic experiences that are accessible to all. They aim to engage all communities by presenting the highest quality musical experiences as a universal language of expression and understanding.

• District Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair, Rotary East Club - Dedicated to making positive, lasting change in both our local community and. In our communities abroad.

• Graduate, Leadership Riverside Class of 2024 - Selected for this civic leadership program to collaborate with local leaders on strategic initiatives impacting the City of Riverside. Focused on in-depth insight into public policy, economic development, education, and regional planning to drive positive, community-based change.

• Instructor, University of California Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - OLLI brings joy to learning, keeps brains active, strengthens social bonds, and enriches retirement or semi-retirement years. It embodies a national movement recognizing that education and curiosity do not have an expiration date.

• Instructor, University of California School of Public Policy, Political Science 170 examines local leadership in California, with specific attention to the dynamics and influence of UCR and RCC on the future of downtown Riverside. Across the United States, downtowns and higher education are forging partnerships, producing an enhanced college experience for students and increased economic vitality for downtowns.

• Member, Women’s Giving Fund Committee at Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), A collaborative philanthropic initiative that pools donor resources to fund nonprofits advancing women’s health, economic stability, and opportunity across the Inland Empire. The fund emphasizes data-informed grantmaking, donor education, and collective impact to drive lasting community change.

Recognition & Endorsements

• Stevie® Award-Winning CEO – Recognized for leadership in business and corporate responsibility.

• Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society Member – Recognized for excellence in communication studies.

• Women’s Club of Silicon Valley – Recognized for connecting and amplifying voices of women.

Papers & Publications

·       Master’s Thesis: A Study of The Importance of Client-Centric Communication In Business Development Within a Law Firm Setting

·       Doctoral 1st year Paper: "How has AI/NLP Sentiment Analysis Been Used in Behavioral Research"?

·       Doctoral 2nd year Paper: "Evidence-based strategies for recruiting and retaining demographically diverse talent in organizations.”

·       Doctoral Integrative Paper: “The Power of Inclusive Diversity: A Game-Changer in Global Branding and Marketing.”

·       Dissertation Proposal: "Linking Educator Well-Being and Intrinsic Motivation to Student Success: Extending the Service-Profit Chain to Education in Riverside County"

·       Why DEI is Only Part of the Pie p. 40

·       The Spiral of Silence in Law Firms

·       All that Glitters is Not Gold: Popularized by Supreme Court majorities from the 1970s to the present, the de facto segregation myth has now been adopted by conventional opinion, liberal and conservative alike.

·       The Art & Science of Persuasion

·       Good Questions Are More Powerful Than Any Answers

·       Answers for Ethical Marketers: A Guide to Good Practice in Business Communication

·       The Thin Line Between Bitch and Cupcake

·       ChatGPT or Me?

·       THE ULTIMATE WOMEN ASSOCIATES’ LAW FIRM MARKETING CHECKLIST

·       OWN YOUR STORY: EMPOWER, CONNECT, CREATE CHANGE

Policy Initiatives & Vision

·       Dissertation: “Linking Excellent Client Service to Profitability: The Role of Employee Happiness and Intrinsic Motivation in Service Industries.”

• Workplace Equity and Economic Opportunity – Strengthening policies that support women’s economic mobility, pay equity, and leadership advancement.

• Education and Workforce Development – Expanding STEM and leadership programs for women and girls in tech, law, and public service.

• Community Health and Digital Inclusion – Bridging the digital divide through affordable broadband programs and digital literacy initiatives​.

• Veteran and Military Family Support – Enhancing benefits, career opportunities, and mental health services for women veterans and military families.

• Civic Engagement and Arts Advocacy – Supporting public arts, historical preservation, and community development initiatives.

• Host of “Wonder Women in Business” – A podcast that amplifies the voices of women in business.

• Host of “THE FORCE” – A podcast for women elected or appointed to office and in public service.