Her Story
About Susan
Susan Altman serves as a preschool teacher working with three and four year olds, a role she describes as her passion and the best job she has ever had. In addition to her teaching career, she has been a domestic violence advocate since 2018, driven by the 2015 murder of her sister Stacey Malman by her husband, which was initially staged as an accident. Through her volunteer efforts, Altman works with organizations including the Alliance for Hope International and the Institute for Strangulation Prevention to provide training to law enforcement and first responders, advocate for changes in laws such as those requiring investigations in potential hidden homicide cases, and raise awareness about strangulation prevention. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Tulane University in 1988. Altman emphasizes values of living authentically, supporting others, mentoring, and fighting for goodness while encouraging women not to give up on their dreams.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't ever give up. Reach for your dreams and your goals and just don't give up.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid. Stand your ground. Speak your mind. And just, you know, always fight for goodness.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include fighting a system that's bigger than women can really address. Opportunities include making change, changing laws in every state like Joanna's Law in California to require investigations regardless of statements at the scene.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Living my most authentic, true life. Supporting people around me. Helping. Mentoring. Making sure we are the best people we can be every day.
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