Her Story
About Susan
Since Susan retired, she spent years caring for her husband during his battle with cancer and his elderly IDD Aunt who lived with them for 10 years. She dabbled in modeling, participated in several Modeling Expos, and was featured in several beauty/fashion magazines. But, since her husband's passing in April 2026, her passion for speaking has led her to start her own business as a Professional Motivational Speaker. She is busy developing presentations on various topics and is excited to share her stories and decades of life experiences to motivate and inspire others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan
01What do you attribute your success to?
Well, I attribute my success to several people that I am honored to have had in my life if even for a while. My Father who instilled strict work ethics in me "If you're not 15 minutes early, you are late" he'd say! Watching my mother break the mold when she went to nursing school against the will of the men in the family, then watching her battle breast cancer, from misdiagnosis, to chemo being squirted down the sink by her doctor when all her veins were gone, to Cobalt treatments in Dallas, to the end, she never gave up, she was my inspiration. I miss her today as much as I have since she passed. Everybody loved her so, there was standing room only at her funeral. My best childhood friend, Stephanie Blankenship for sharing her mom Bridgett, it was rough being a motherless daughter as a young woman, I found stability as part of her family for many years. Also, for sharing her sense of fashion and brothers, Bob and Perry Gaspard.
I attribute my professional success to my ability to develop and present on many topics, I love developing presentations, the research, all of it! Marilyn Sackett and Peggy Hoosier played roles in a big part of my success, and I attribute that to their guidance, trust and mutual respect. Marilyn was my instructor in the 1st college-based Radiology Program in 1972 at Lamar University. She is a wealth of knowledge; an excellent mentor I always looked up to her. Peggy as well, always wanting success for all her staff.
I can't leave out my husband for putting up with all my traveling and working hours. Thank you, Johnny
God for keeping me safe and strong despite the adversity I faced along the way. I know he has big plans for me now!
All these people inspired me to keep going no matter what! I am proud of the work I did and of all the lives that have been saved thanks to the impeccable work of our mammography technologists!
Now I want back on the stage as a motivational speaker!!
Let's Go Girls!!!
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't burn bridges you might have to cross someday.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
FOCUS, focus, LEARN, learn, BE A SPONGE, be a sponge
BE A RADIOLOGIST!!!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
OPPORUNITIES:
For my speaking .....WOW----the sky's the limit
The call for female speakers is through the roof.
CHALLENGES:
Recovering from surgery right now...waiting is challenging!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work and personal life my values are:
Integrity
Happiness
Kindness
Loyalty
Trust
Respect
Honesty
Empathy
Communication
Growth
Resilience
Peace
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.