Susan S. Mahaffee
SPHR, SHRM-SCP, NDCCDP, CEC
President + Founder
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"One of the driving forces behind the name “People Rise” lies in the poetry of the legendary Maya Angelou. Inspired by the famous words “Still I Rise,” Susan embodies the spirit of resilience and perseverance. With this name, she aims to encourage clients to rise above challenges and embrace growth with unwavering determination."
- WomElle Magazine, August 2023
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Let's rise together.
I'm Susan S. Mahaffee, an experienced human resources (HR) professional with a rich collection of experiences managing the people function for both public and private multinational companies. In late 2022, I turned my passion into practice, seizing the opportunity to share my diverse experiences with others, particularly focusing on my passion for working with family-owned and entrepreneur-led businesses.
Susan S. Mahaffee, the founder and president of People Rise, LLC, brings a wealth of experience and a deeply personal touch to her work. Raised by Hungarian-immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience, Susan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and empathy. From humble beginnings working full-time in HR during her college years, Susan has risen to become a sought-after HR executive and strategic advisor.
Her impressive educational background, including an M.B.A. in Global Business and Organizational Leadership and a B.S. in Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management, along with multiple leadership and human resources certifications, has equipped her with the skills to navigate both the public and private sectors. Susan’s career spans over 20 years, including pivotal roles at multinational corporations like Mars Incorporated, where she developed a deep understanding of global HR dynamics.
In 2022, driven by a desire to make a more significant impact, Susan launched People Rise, LLC.
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Her mission? To empower organizations by placing people at the center of their strategy, fostering environments where both businesses and individuals can thrive.
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