Suzanne F. Stevens, Wave•Maker, YouMeWe Social Impact Group
Words of wisdom: Stay tuned.
Country: Canada
Website: https://www.awakeashes.com
Industry: Healthcare
Organization size: 1
SUBSCRIBE so you do not miss an episode of Wave-Making Women sharing their wisdom and inspiration to generate a social impact.
Host, Suzanne F. Stevens’s Social Impact —
and how she makes her Contribution Count
For more than two decades, Suzanne F. Stevens has focused her work on one central belief:
when women are supported to lead, communities rise—and systems begin to change.
Her social impact is not performative or episodic. It is embedded, sustained, and measurable, spanning education, economic empowerment, leadership development, and global advocacy.
Investing Directly in Women’s Futures
Through the YouMeWe Foundation, Suzanne has helped fund and facilitate more than 30 scholarships, creating access to post-secondary and professional education for women—particularly those facing systemic barriers. A significant focus of this work supports women in Africa, alongside partnerships with women’s shelters and organizations advancing equality, safety, and economic independence.
These initiatives are not charity-driven—they are capacity-building, designed to support long-term agency, dignity, and opportunity.
Amplifying Women Entrepreneurs Who Create Impact
Suzanne’s work consistently elevates women entrepreneurs and leaders who embed social impact into their business models. Through her speaking, coaching, writing, podcasting, and community-building platforms, she amplifies voices often underrepresented—women who are not only building businesses, but reimagining leadership, contribution, and value creation.
A portion of proceeds from her books, speaking engagements, and impact-driven projects is intentionally reinvested into women-focused charities and initiatives—ensuring that success fuels further contribution.
Global Perspective, Local Commitment
Suzanne is the author of Make Your Contribution Count for You • Me • We, inspired by pioneering African women she met while traveling—often solo—through over 60 countries. These experiences shaped her belief that conscious leadership is both personal and systemic, and that meaningful change requires proximity, humility, and action.
Her global work has been recognized with national and international honours, including:
- Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
- Canadian Association of Professional Speakers President’s Award for Distinguished Service (three times)
- Peter Legge Philanthropy Award
- International Alliance for Women World of Difference Award for Women’s Economic Empowerment
She is also a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—one of fewer than 65 in Canada and among the top 15% globally.
Leadership Beyond the Stage
Suzanne’s commitment to service extends into governance and systems leadership. She has served as National President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, held board roles with the Global Speakers Federation, Rotary International, and women-focused business alliances in Canada and Africa—always advocating for ethical leadership, economic inclusion, and purposeful contribution.
The Through-Line
Across scholarships, stages, policies, podcasts, and partnerships, Suzanne’s impact is guided by one through-line:
Empower women.
Amplify their voices.
Ensure contribution creates a ripple effect that lasts.
This is not impact as an outcome—it is impact as a practice.
Interview with Suzane F. Stevens, Founder, YouMeWe Social Impact Group Inc., Canada
Listen here or on your favorite platform.
In this episode, we explore:
Subscribe above to be invited to the next conversation.
Learn more or buy the book Make Your Contribution Count for you • me • we
Interview with Suzane F. Stevens, Founder, YouMeWe Social Impact Group Inc.; Canada
YouMeWe Amplified about the host Host, Suzanne F. Stevens, CSP is the unstoppable force behind YouMeWe Social Impact Group Inc. Since 2000, Suzanne has been invigorating audiences on five continents. She is a Multi-Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Keynoter, Trainer, Podcaster, Coach, Author, and Wave-Maker who empowers Wave-Makers to amplify their authentic voices and lead consciously, generating ripples of influence, inclusivity, and sustainable social impact all while promoting a culture of WE. Suzanne's mission is to amplifying Wave-Making Women's voices and social impact through coaching, training, speaking and on The YouMeWe Amplified Podcast. She welcomes the opportunity to elevate your leadership, amplify your authentic voice, and accelerate sustainable social impact. Suzanne just doesn't cultivate and amplify Wave-Makers, she is one. She's a globetrotter who's lived and traveled to over 60 countries, empowering entrepreneurs and nonprofits, providing scholarships to women in Africa, and amplifying their voices through the YouMeWe Amplified Podcast. As the author of the book "Make your contribution Count, for you, me, we," Suzanne shares strategies to optimize your life meaning through making a social impact as an aspiring wave-maker, or someone who wants to grow your impact. Join the movement and Make Your Contribution Count for You • Me • We. Now, let's make waves!United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal(s) addressed:
#4. Quality Education, #5. Gender Equality, #8. Decent Work and Economic Growth, #10. Reduced Inequalities, #11. Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12. Responsible Consumption and Production, #16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, #17. Partnerships for the Goals
Social impact:
Social Impact — Making Contribution Count
For more than two decades, Suzanne F. Stevens has focused her work on one central belief:
when women are supported to lead, communities rise—and systems begin to change.
Her social impact is not performative or episodic. It is embedded, sustained, and measurable, spanning education, economic empowerment, leadership development, and global advocacy.
Investing Directly in Women’s Futures
Through the YouMeWe Foundation, Suzanne has helped fund and facilitate more than 30 scholarships, creating access to post-secondary and professional education for women—particularly those facing systemic barriers. A significant focus of this work supports women in Africa, alongside partnerships with women’s shelters and organizations advancing equality, safety, and economic independence.
These initiatives are not charity-driven—they are capacity-building, designed to support long-term agency, dignity, and opportunity.
Amplifying Women Entrepreneurs Who Create Impact
Suzanne’s work consistently elevates women entrepreneurs and leaders who embed social impact into their business models. Through her speaking, coaching, writing, podcasting, and community-building platforms, she amplifies voices often underrepresented—women who are not only building businesses, but reimagining leadership, contribution, and value creation.
A portion of proceeds from her books, speaking engagements, and impact-driven projects is intentionally reinvested into women-focused charities and initiatives—ensuring that success fuels further contribution.
Global Perspective, Local Commitment
Suzanne is the author of Make Your Contribution Count for You • Me • We, inspired by pioneering African women she met while traveling—often solo—through over 60 countries. These experiences shaped her belief that conscious leadership is both personal and systemic, and that meaningful change requires proximity, humility, and action.
Her global work has been recognized with national and international honours, including:
-Governor General of Canada Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers
-Canadian Association of Professional Speakers President’s Award for Distinguished Service (three times)
-Peter Legge Philanthropy Award
-International Alliance for Women World of Difference Award for Women’s Economic Empowerment
She is also a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—one of fewer than 65 in Canada and among the top 15% globally.
Leadership Beyond the Stage
Suzanne’s commitment to service extends into governance and systems leadership. She has served as National President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, held board roles with the Global Speakers Federation, Rotary International, and women-focused business alliances in Canada and Africa—always advocating for ethical leadership, economic inclusion, and purposeful contribution.
The Through-Line
Across scholarships, stages, policies, podcasts, and partnerships, Suzanne’s impact is guided by one through-line:
Empower women.
Amplify their voices.
Ensure contribution creates a ripple effect that lasts.
This is not impact as an outcome—it is impact as a practice.
Website: https://www.awakeashes.com
Note: This conversation is transcribed using AI software, which means the transcription is not perfect. Watch the video or listen to the podcast to hear our guest’s wisdom in her own words. If you want to see more interviews like this, please comment below!
To learn about Difference-Makers International, read Suzanne’s book Make Your Contribution Count for You, Me, and We.
DOWNLOAD a funding toolkit for women nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs https://youmeweamplified.com/signup
Introduction to YouMeWe Amplified Podcast
Watch/listen/read each conversation to gain more insight into leading a sustainable social solution. Please comment on the site; we want to hear your wisdom. Share YouMeWe Amplified with other future wave-makers; they will appreciate it!
SUBSCRIBE so you do not miss an episode of Wave-Making Women sharing their wisdom and inspiration to generate a social impact.