What professionals are saying about Susan's presentation on implicit bias...
"Susan’s presentation was impactful, thought-provoking and direct. She utilized personal references that were relatable to her audience and communicated in a passionate yet professional manner. Furthermore, Susan managed to enhance her presentation through music. The selected songs were very creative and catchy. In fact, my co-workers are still singing the “Compassion” song. Whether through word or song, her message was clear, precise, and influential. Ultimately, Susan raised our employees’ self-awareness and began a difficult yet essential conversation for our organization. I highly recommend her."
Iyana Y. Titus, Asst. Commissioner, EEO Officer
NewYork City Parks & Recreation
"Susan speaks to the audience in a language that strikes a chord, regardless of age or race, effectively handling sensitive material with a diverse group of advocates and skeptics alike. Using spoken word, song, saxophones and flute, coordinated with a multimedia presentation, she was informative, insightful, approachable, and entertaining. I highly recommend her presentation."
Bernard J McGovern, President
Human Resources Consulting Associates
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark
"The multi-genre nature of your presentation is precisely what makes it intriguing -- what's this performer going to do with three instruments, how is she going to put this issue to music? I see your original compositions as falling within the broad genre of protest music, the purpose being to raise consciousness by engaging emotion, empathy, and political-as-personal solidarity -- precisely the values you highlight and plead your audience to engage. It entreats those in the dominant strata of society to recognize our privilege. It is consciousness-raising. It pushes us out of our comfort zones. I see great benefit in this presentation."
Dr. Maisa Taha
Asst. Professor of Anthropology
Montclair State University
"Rather than 'preach,' Susan Goodman’s multi-media presentation on bias asks each of us to go within to examine what we feel and choose how to behave. It evokes awareness and inspires courage. As a third-generation child of grandparents from China who grew up in New York City’s Lower East Side, the presentation clearly reflects sensitivity to many of the issues confronting minority populations."
Carole Wong Chesek, Artist
Montclair, NJ
"Susan created a safe and open space which allowed us to take in the material in a deeper way than if it was just a didactic presentation. Personally, I was astonished to discover the many ways in which I live a biased life. The format was a combination of information, excellent visual material, and live musical accompaniment which helped bring the subject to life. I don't remember the last time I attended a workshop on such a challenging subject that was presented so skillfully, sensitively and professionally. I can't recommend this presentation more highly."
Sensei Carl Bachmann
Clear Mountain Zen Center
Montclair, NJ
"Susan, thanks for something really moving, inspirational and eye-opening. First of all, you told your own story. Secondly, your three challenges--self-observation, compassion and action--were "spot on.” The video clips, data, live music, and testimonials were all germane and moving, and your professionalism really came through."
William Nathan, President
Autobody Jobbers Warehouse (AJW)
Paterson, NJ
"Susan confronts a difficult subject with grace, clarity, and fearlessness. Her personal story lends authenticity to her serious focus on the subject of bias in all its forms, and her gifts as a musician add delight to the presentation. I came away with a heightened awareness of the harm we can inflict with even the smallest expression of bias. My education on the subject has been expanded and I have been given some tools to use, daily, in my practice to acknowledge my biases and work to free myself of them."
Cicely Cottingham, Artist
West Orange, NJ
"Susan skillfully interweaves academic research on race and bias with her own personal reflections and original music. The presentation was well thought out and left me feeling inspired and empowered to confront my own biases and speak up when I witness bias. Susan's message is powerful and positive. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a speaker."
Keith Bonner, Furniture Maker
Montclair, NJ