Susannah Schaefer, President and CEO of Smile Train, Episode 259
Listen Here Now on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen to podcasts)
Susannah Schaefer is the President and CEO of Smile Train, a global nonprofit that empowers local medical professionals to provide free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care in their communities. Under her leadership, Smile Train has grown into the world's largest cleft-focused organization, celebrating over two million cleft surgeries and making life-changing impacts in more than 90 countries.
Susannah joins me on the show to share her incredible journey to Smile Train, her passion for sustainable healthcare solutions, and the story of the organization’s visionary founder, Charles B. Wang. We discuss the importance of building capacity through training local surgeons, the transformational power of cleft surgery, and how Smile Train fosters health system strengthening in underserved regions. Susannah also reflects on the global partnerships that have driven Smile Train’s remarkable success and the culture of generosity that fuels its mission.
"We go farther together." - Susannah Schaefer
"Generosity isn’t just financial—it’s about time, care, and connection."- Susannah Schaefer
"Be confident, be present, and be adaptable." - Susannah Schaefer
This Week on The Wow Factor:
How Smile Train’s sustainable model trains local surgeons to treat cleft lip and palate, ensuring long-term impact.
The origin story of Smile Train and its founder Charles B. Wang’s vision to replace mission-based care with a sustainable approach.
Why cleft is the most common facial birth difference worldwide, affecting one in 700 births.
The life-changing impact of early cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care.
How Smile Train has performed over two million surgeries in 25 years and continues to address the backlog of untreated clefts.
The role of partnerships, like Smile Train’s collaboration with Kids Operating Room (Kids OR), in strengthening healthcare systems across Africa.
How generosity, in all its forms, drives Smile Train’s mission and inspires supporters worldwide.
Why nonprofits must remain relevant and advocate for their causes in an ever-changing, competitive environment.
Susannah Schaefer’s Words of Wisdom:
Be confident, be present, be a good listener, and be adaptable. As leaders, we have the ability to make a meaningful impact, but that requires learning and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Connect with Susannah Schaefer and Smile Train:
Connect with The Wow Factor:
X
