Susan MacLaren is an entrepreneur who has provided small business consulting in the Seattle area for the last decade. She provides thoughtful communications, business development, management, photography, and strategic planning to help her clients thrive. She brings her healthy curiosity and relationship building skills to the UW as an Advisor on client and student projects. 

Since 2020, Susan has worked with the UW Communication Leadership Program to develop and lead a student-run consulting agency to connect students with applied learning opportunities in communications with small business and nonprofit clients. Having been a graduate student in the program, she has made meaningful connections across industries, identified challenging projects, and placed students in volunteer and paid positions.

Susan grew up in the midwest and has a work history centered on community building and service. She holds a BA in Fine Art Photography, and will soon graduate with a Master’s Degree in Communications. As an Advisor, Susan looks forward to providing support to students and clients while engaging in fruitful collaborations. 

When she’s not busy at work or school, Susan is an avid outdoorswoman who enjoys road trips, hiking with her dogs, reading a good book in a hammock, and tent camping in all types of weather. She can build a mean fire.