The Worthy Women Scholarship was created to uplift, empower, and celebrate women who are courageously rewriting their stories with purpose. As part of our commitment to supporting these women, our scholarship provides financial assistance to women returning to school later in life as nontraditional students.
Today, we are proud to introduce the second-place scholarship recipient of our 2024–2025 application cycle, whose journey powerfully reflects the heart of the Worthy Women Scholarship. In this interview, she shares the motivation behind her goals, the obstacles she has overcome, and how she plans to use her education to create lasting impact. Her story exemplifies the strength, perseverance, and forward momentum we are honored to support at Worthy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to return to school?
I am the founder of Suttle Strategies Inc., a communications and sustainability consultancy, and the host of The Halo Effect on the NPR affiliate WBOI 89.1FM. My work lives at the intersection of story, strategy, and social impact. Applying to and being accepted into Harvard Extension School catalyzed my curiosity as a lifelong learner and was an intentional step to deepen my expertise and align my voice with the future of policy, housing, and energy equity. I wanted my daughter and other young girls to see that you can learn at any age, even after 40, and still show up as both a student and a leader. I am a student scholar, thought leader, and community change agent, using each of those roles to move my community forward.
What field of study are you pursuing, and what drew you to it?
I am studying Sustainability and Innovation at Harvard Extension School. I was drawn to this field because it allows me to merge communications, public policy, and climate solutions in a way that directly serves communities that are too often left out of these conversations. In my Worthy essay, I wrote about the essence and energy of Shirley Chisholm and her fearless pursuit of justice, and that same spirit shapes my commitment to equitable housing, clean energy access, and systemic change.
What challenges have you faced along your educational or personal journey, and how have you overcome them?
Balancing the responsibilities of leading Suttle Strategies, producing a weekly NPR radio show, being a present Mom, and meeting Harvard level expectations has required clarity, structure, and grace. There have been seasons where professional demands, coursework, and family life all converged at once. I meet those moments by staying anchored in purpose, protecting my time, while leaning into faith and trusted community when the pace becomes too demanding. It’s okay to put yourself on your calendar when necessary and prioritize you!
How has this scholarship impacted your ability to reach your goals?
The Worthy Women Scholarship has been both a financial support and a powerful affirmation. It has allowed me to continue fully engaging in the Harvard experience, from on campus intensives in Cambridge to building relationships with a global network of classmates who are leading change across industries and continents. That access has strengthened my ability to design work that lives at the intersection of communications, policy, housing, and energy equity with greater reach and impact.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see Suttle Strategies serving as a strategic partner to cities, public agencies, and mission driven organizations advancing equitable sustainability and housing solutions. I envision leading multi-city initiatives that inform while increasing access to clean energy and affordable housing leveraging media culture, including my platform on NPR WBOI, to translate complex policy into connection that cultivates communities. I also see my Harvard network continuing to expand my global perspective and opening doors for collaborative work across borders.
What advice would you give to other women who are thinking about going back to school?
Honor the unction, even if the timing feels imperfect. Your lived experience is not a liability in the classroom, it is your greatest asset. You can learn at any age, even after 40, like me. Start with one application, one class, one step, and trust that the resources and support will meet your courage.
If you could sum up your journey in one word, what would it be?
Becoming.
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