Her Story
About Susana
Susana Arzate is the Director of the College of Education for Southwest University, based in El Paso, Texas. She has spent over 10 years in the education field, during which she has held roles including instructor, accreditation coordinator, program developer, and administrator before advancing to her current directorship. Arzate earned a master's degree in linguistics in 2019, along with a degree in electronic media with a minor in Spanish, and she is certified in TESOL while pursuing Texas teacher certification for ELAR grades 4 through 8. She played a key role in fully developing the College of Education over the past three and a half years to meet current classroom needs. Arzate attributes her professional success to a combination of curiosity, resilience, and passion for helping others grow, noting that she has never shied away from new challenges such as developing academic programs or teaching diverse educational backgrounds across the world. She emphasizes building strong relationships and continuing to grow alongside those she serves. In her view, the best career advice is to never stop learning and never let a title define one's willingness to serve, as leadership involves listening, adaptability, and creating opportunities for others. Arzate advises young women entering education to believe they belong in leadership even before feeling fully ready, to ask questions, volunteer for challenging projects, and step outside their comfort zones. She highlights integrity and service as core values, along with prioritizing family as a mother, which has taught her patience, resilience, empathy, and leading by example.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think it's a combination of curiosity, resilience, and honestly, just having passion helping others grow. I've never really been afraid of taking on new challenges, developing new academic programs, or moving across the world to teach diverse educational backgrounds. Building strong relationships is also essential to my success. I believe that in order for me to be a great leader, I have to continue growing alongside the people that I serve.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to never stop learning, and never let your title define your willingness to serve. I've worked as an instructor, accreditation coordinator, program developer, administrator, and now director, and each role has taught me something very valuable. Leadership isn't always having all the answers, but it's more about being there and listening and being adaptable, creating opportunities for others to succeed. When you focus on serving other people, your career grows naturally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to believe that they belong in leadership, even before they feel completely ready. In the field of education, we need diverse voices, fresh ideas, compassionate leaders. Not to be afraid of asking questions and volunteer for challenging projects, stepping outside of your comfort zone. Some of the greatest opportunities I've had throughout my career is because of me saying yes to taking on roles that might make me feel a little bit uncomfortable, but you have to take on those challenges in order to be successful. Just go for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges right now in education is preparing educators for the changes that are currently happening. There's a need for teachers, technologies taking over, increased need in mental health, and changing workforce expectations. It requires us to rethink how to prepare future educators. Even though it's very challenging, this is the perfect time for us to do something different and meaningful.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity - doing the right thing even if no one is watching. In higher education, trust is built through honesty, consistency, and accountability. Service is a big part of my career. On a personal level, my family is my greatest priority. Being a mom has taught me patience, resilience, empathy, and the importance of leading by example. I want my daughter to see that hard work, kindness, and perseverance can open doors and make a positive impact.
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