Ssusan Forte O’Neill

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Ssusan Forte O'Neill’s unparalleled business acumen ignites economic growth for businesses, organizations and institutions in the fields of engineering, aerospace, education, finance, healthcare and technology.

Ms. Forte O’Neill was recognized by the United States Congress for her efforts in economic development. She has been cited for her outstanding visionary leadership and community commitment by The United States House of Representatives. Ms. Forte O’Neill is Founder and Executive Director of the Technolink Association, a trade association celebrating close to three decades, created to generate economic development in greater Southern California region through “links” to national and international partners. She received special recognition from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Technolink Association and for her dedication to creating life-changing opportunities for at-risk youths in the area.

She has been recognized by the United States Department of Homeland Security for her perseverance and dedicated leadership in developing effective models for Public/Private partnerships in the greater Southern California region. Named to a number of special projects for congressional political campaigns, Forte O’Neill was appointed a surrogate for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s campaign of California and also co-chaired a technology and education advisory working group for the office of Governor Gray Davis of California. Ms. Forte O’Neill has also been recognized for her endless efforts in strengthening the economic and scientific cooperation between California and The State of Israel. She also serves as a Public Private Partner for the United States Department of Homeland Security.

She was the President and a member of the board of the National Association for Business Economics (NABE)/Los Angeles Chapter.

Ms. Forte O’Neill founded the Lend-A-Hand program to successfully place high school students in part-time summer jobs at law offices, banking institutions, trade associations, design firms and other high quality businesses and corporations. She organized and led the First Annual Lend-A-Hand Youth Summit in Pasadena, California. Her efforts brought together government, business leaders and youth agencies to strategize about opportunities for our nation’s young people. It established Greater Pasadena as one of America’s “promised communities.”

Ms. Forte O’Neill served as a board member of the Dean's Council for the College of Engineering at California State University of Long Beach and is a former board member of the Saddleback College Foundation.

She was a member of the Advisory Board of KPCC, a national public radio affiliate, President of the Board of the Heart Association/LA Chapter and a former board member of the Georgetown Symphony Orchestra (DC).

She has frequently been quoted in major media outlets as a thought-leader on industry and societal trends.

Ms. Forte O’Neill is an accomplished artist and published author. A native of Washington D.C., she resides in Southern California.

“Today we have a great opportunity to awaken the creative side to grow and develop critical thinking skills in individuals and businesses.”