Susan Somersille Johnson

Susan Somersille Johnson, corporate executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Sun Trust Banks, Inc., was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America by Black Enterprise Magazine. Johnson was honored at the Black Enterprise “Women of Power Conference” on March 4.

Johnson is an alumnus of the WISE Program and serves as Secretary on the Executive Committee of the WISE Services Board of Directors.  WISE Executive Director, Amy Price, interviewed Susan about her career and her commitment to WISE.

Q:  What does this recognition mean to you?

A:  It’s an honor to be included among these incredible women. The recognition builds on history – it reflects on all the people that came before me. Recognition helps to celebrate milestones in our lives.

I think in terms of what is the biggest impact that I can make on our community and on the world.  I hope that the recognition serves to inspire other young women to follow their dreams and inspirations, and to make an impact.

Q:  To what extent do you feel that your WISE experience influenced your success in career and in life?

A:  For me, WISE provided a shortcut for my career. I had been thinking becoming a veterinarian.  For my WISE project, I worked with animals at the Bronx Zoo and at Columbia University, where I was involved with an educational study of pigeons.  My WISE project taught me what I didn’t want to do for a living.

I also learned valuable skills during my WISE journey.  WISE was my first presentation and provided my very first public speaking skills. I was reserved at first.  Now I speak in front of thousands of people around the world.

I learned how to work with a mentor. I have benefitted from mentoring, first in WISE and then throughout my career.  I highly value mentorship, and I am committed to mentoring others.

School is so structured.  The WISE journey, from finding a mentor and choosing a project to presenting my project and reflecting on my experiences, gave me confidence in the face of uncertainty.

Q:  Why does WISE continue to be important to you?

A:  I want to give as many kids as possible the opportunity that I had.  My vision is to make the WISE Program accessible across the country, to give everyone that same experience. WISE gives you key skills.  It helps you discover your direction. WISE gives you the opportunity to live a more meaningful life.

Q:  What are your hopes and visions for WISE?

A:  I would like to expand the number of schools that offer WISE to their students.  I want to maintain the integrity of the program.  It is a unique approach that stands the test of time.  I believe in the leadership of WISE Services, and I hope to see continued emerging leaders that support WISE’s continued growth.

This is a great time to be involved with WISE – for mentors, schools, and for donors, not just for students.  WISE’s leadership is strong, motivated and engaged.  We are poised to provide transformative, meaningful opportunities to the next generation of youth.