Susan Baaj is a dynamic leader and global connector dedicated to advancing humanitarian causes, cultural diplomacy, and cross-border collaboration. She is the Founder and Chairwoman of the Cultural Bridges Foundation, a nonprofit committed to fostering cross-cultural understanding, global partnerships, and intercultural dialogue through diplomacy, education, and community engagement.

She also serves as Chairwoman of the Burnt Children Relief Foundation, which provides critical medical support to children suffering from severe burn injuries, including facilitating access to life-saving treatment at Shriners Hospitals across the United States.

A pioneering voice in the Syrian-American community, Susan has been at the forefront of advocacy since the onset of the Syrian revolution. She was the President of the Syrian American Council – Los Angeles Chapter (2011–2012) and was honored to represent the Syrian diaspora at the 2012 Global Diaspora Forum hosted by the U.S. State Department.

She currently leads the Syrian Institute for Progress (SIP) as Chairwoman, offering policy insight on Syria to U.S. government officials and advocating for the needs of Syrian refugees. Her humanitarian outreach has included coordinating vital aid to displaced Syrians in Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, and empowering Syrian-American women to lead grassroots mobilization efforts.

As Co-Founder of International Impact Connections, she also supports global conversations around diplomacy, women’s leadership, and international development. Previously, she served as Program Chair for the World Affairs Council of Orange County, helping to elevate global issues within the local community.

Susan holds a degree in Political Science, grounding her work in advocacy and international affairs.