Susan McDowell is Chief Executive Officer of LifeWorks, a youth and family service organization in Austin that helps transition-age youth achieve self-sufficiency through housing, education/workforce and mental health support. Susan has been awarded “Austinite Under 40 of the Year,” and “Ernst and Young Central Texas Social Entrepreneur of the Year.” Susan holds a B.A. and M.A. from Vanderbilt University and the University of Texas-Austin, respectively. She participates in numerous civic and planning bodies, and is a frequent speaker around issues ranging from youth homelessness to organizational leadership.