d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
Suzan Deison
CEO, President & Founder, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Suzan has the distinction and honor of serving as President of three Houston chambers of commerce, including founding the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, (GHWCC) where she serves as CEO and President. Under her leadership, the GHWCC has grown to be one of the fastest growing chambers in the United States. She also founded the Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame and the Greater Houston Conference for Women. Suzan created STEAM TOWN USA, an initiative to increase exposure of third grade girls’ interest in math, technology, and science through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) concepts, improve grades and graduation rates, and encourage girls to pursue STEAM careers. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 550 girls.
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uzan Deison is a native Houstonian, who has dedicated her life to working and volunteering in the nonprofit arena. Whether it’s helping a woman succeed in business, helping a child achieve their fullest potential, or advocating for people with disabilities, Suzan is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Suzan’s influence has encouraged countless women to develop and enhance vital business relationships and to believe in themselves. Suzan always attributes her success to others, and she continues to gain support for the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) through her selflessness and passion for others. Suzan began her career at the Conroe Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce and because of her entrepreneurial talent, became a very successful business owner 32
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2016
Suzan’s vision for empowering women has led the GHWCC to expand internationally. The GHWCC has influenced business leaders in London and Mexico City to start a women’s chamber of commerce. Suzan and the GHWCC believe that when we empower women, we help empower communities and the world. of several entrepreneurial companies. She has helped raise several million dollars for nonprofits, including Easter Seals, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and area chambers of commerce. She served on the Montgomery County Library Board, was an advocate for Tri County MHMR, and was a Co-Chair for the Cattle Baron’s Ball. She currently serves as President of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy Foundation, serves on the Board of the March of Dimes, and the ELT of the American Heart Association. She was recognized for her many contributions to our community by being named as one of the 2013 Women on the Move by Texas Executive Women. In 2014, she was honored in Forbes magazine as a Texas Women Business Leader, and also honored as a 2014 Channel 13’s Woman of Distinction.
Suzan boasts that her greatest accomplishment is her family. She is a proud mother of three accomplished, loving children, Melanie George, Grant Phillips, and Taylor Deison, and grandmother of seven talented and beautiful grandchildren, Morgan, Madison and Montana Isbell, Meagin Small, Lauren, Chloe, and Grey Phillips. She recently became a great grandmother of a beautiful baby girl, Scarlett Small. Suzan lives in the Upper Kirby District with her supportive husband, Joe and beautiful daughter, Taylor. Suzan Deison CEO, President & Founder Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce 3201 Kirby Drive Suite 400 Houston, TX 77098 713-782-3777 www.ghwcc.org
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