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 2,000 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

Dossier

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 fostering equity and belonging in workplaces through data-driven solutions.

A recognized expert in inclusive leadership and corporate communications, Susan has educated over 3,000 legal and financial service professionals, consulted for Fortune 500 firms, and contributed thought leadership on workplace inclusion, gender equity, and business development.

Susan’s deep commitment to public service and advocacy for gender equity make her an ideal candidate for appointment to a California Commission or other leadership role within state governance.

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

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

Co-founded 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 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, LLC (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.

Legal & 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 the Board of Advisors at University of California, School of Public Policy, Center for Community Solutions.

• Advocate for Digital Inclusion & Economic Development in Riverside, CA – Leads initiatives at “Game Changers” addressing the digital divide and economic mobility for underserved communities​.

• Member of the City of Riverside Art Alliance – Engages in arts and cultural advocacy to enhance civic engagement​.

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

• Policy Contributions & Thought Leadership – Regular contributor to Legal Business World and American Lawyer Media, focusing on gender equity and corporate responsibility​.

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.

Policy Initiatives & Vision

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

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

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

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

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

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