We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suzanne Zadeh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suzanne below.

Hi Suzanne, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful creative projects I’ve been involved in is my volunteer work with Vision C, an organization that holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of community service and giving back, and these values have guided me throughout my life.

Currently, I am supporting Vision C, alongside a former NBA champion, in organizing a summer camp in Cameroon. This camp brings together 100 children to learn basketball, but it’s about so much more than just sports. Playing together on a team teaches these kids essential life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and problem-solving. Through sports, they also develop confidence, leadership, social skills, and accountability—skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life. I use my creative skills to design camp programs, create content, and build pitch decks to support this initiative.

Another project dear to my heart was building a school from scratch in Malawi, Africa, last November. I lived with a host family and other volunteers from the BuildOn organization, and this experience was incredibly special. Beyond the physical labor of constructing the school, I immersed myself in the community, learning about their culture and the strong sense of unity that reminded me of my own childhood. Despite the language barrier, we connected through shared activities. I brought jewelry-making tools and taught the children how to make bracelets, which they could sell to support themselves.

Additionally, I’m deeply involved with Ocean Flow, a surf therapy organization where I serve as the Development Director and Creative Director. Here, I continuously generate ideas, plan and execute various events, and collaborate with therapists to address community issues, particularly focusing on mental health and educational support.

I have lived in San Francisco, Silicon Valley for 10 years. The culture here is different from some other places. As a woman and immigrant, I, like many others, often feel that most relationships here are transactional and lack authenticity. For example, people often ask, “What do you do?” and “Who do you know?” which sometimes makes me wonder if they want to be friends with me for access to my network or if they genuinely care about me. Seeking a genuine connection, I started going to the beach and surfing at Linda Mar, where I met and made friends. Everyone in Pacifica knows me now. I built a community with wonderful people who never asked who I am or what I do. We have been surfing for years, encouraging each other to do better, showing shaka, and checking on each other. It’s authentic, and I cherish that. The ocean and beach help me center myself, and with our nonprofit, Ocean Flow, we aim to hold that authentic space for everyone.

These projects reflect my passion for community service and creativity. They are not just about giving back, but also about learning, connecting, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Suzanne, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born and raised in Iran, nurtured with a big heart for community, service, and bringing neighbors and children together. From a young age, I was deeply involved in sports, always leading teams and thriving in social settings. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of community and service, encouraging me to participate in team-building projects and travel to underserved areas for various causes.

Helping others and serving the community is ingrained in my identity; it’s something I feel deep in my bones. Every moment spent working with my team is a cherished opportunity to foster a happy and healthy community, creating safe spaces where individuals feel heard, encouraged, and supported. Together, we make waves of impact.

I immigrated to the United States almost 10 years ago and started my life from scratch. Although it was challenging, I quickly adapted to the culture and continued my passion for community development.

My journey in community development spans from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the heart of Africa, shaping me into a changemaker and source of inspiration. I’ve collaborated with top venture capitalists, founders, athletes, and diplomats worldwide, honing the skills I bring to the table.

My philanthropic work includes supporting women’s healing journeys through surfing and building schools from the ground up in Malawi, addressing educational needs in developing countries. With extensive global experience and collaborations, I turn visions into reality. Currently, I am focused on Vision Cameroon Org, building a summer camp for 100 kids in Cameroon with NBA Champions.

All of these experiences—working internationally with luminaries, being surrounded by humanitarian activists, and engaging with successful entrepreneurs and mentors—have shaped my personality and taught me invaluable lessons. I am excited to share these experiences and ride the waves of life together, making a meaningful impact. Let’s connect and explore new opportunities for collaboration and turning your vision into reality. I excel at connecting founders to venture capitalists, organizing events, and creating lasting connections.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn is resilience. As an immigrant, I had to start my life from scratch, setting aside my past achievements and hard work to build from zero. It’s akin to the lessons I’ve learned from the ocean—where you get hit consistently by massive waves, get wiped out, but you get up, show the shaka sign, and continue riding the waves.

I’ve also learned that not everyone will like your ideas or perspectives, and you might not always receive encouragement. In those moments, you have to be your own cheerleader. Accept feedback, work on it, improve, and continue shining your light without giving up.

Being an immigrant has been the most valuable and priceless experience for me. The life lessons it brings are unbelievable and have profoundly shaped my personality.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As a creative, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the constant challenge to think outside the box and be prepared for last-minute changes, seamlessly pivoting to plan B or C. This skill, which I’ve honed since childhood, brings immense joy and excitement. Being a creative means consistently finding ways to make things more beautiful, user-friendly, and engaging, ultimately creating lasting, impactful experiences. The true reward comes when I see the joy and smiles on my clients’ faces after a project is presented or an event concludes. Additionally, working with luminaries and experts across various industries expands my network and friendships, making the journey even more enriching.
There’s so much involved in being a creative. While it can be challenging to meet clients’ expectations and ensure their satisfaction, it never feels stressful if you have a natural passion for it. I have learned a lot from working with different cultures and ethnicities, and it’s fascinating to always have a story to share that’s relevant to the topic in the room.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.zd/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannezadeh/

Image Credits
Truck Shot: Vincent Po Green Suit: Naveed Ahmed