Suzanne Donaldson, CEO founded Donaldson Consulting, LLC, a Native American-owned research and consulting firm, in 2002. Certified as an M/W/DBE in 11 states, Suzanne has over 20 years of equity experience and familiarity with the Pacific Northwest’s social landscape.
Suzanne has had a lifelong commitment to mentoring under-represented individuals and firms. She has helped public and private clients achieve their M/W/DBE participation goals, broaden their diversity and outreach programs, and create a level playing field for historically marginalized individuals and firms on projects worth over several billion dollars.
She advises clients on managing their projects efficiently; implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion; providing business coaching for underutilized firms; and ensuring agency contracting compliance. She also has extensive experience performing qualitative research, program assessment and development, community engagement, and labor disparity and equity studies.

With outstanding organizational, implementation, and facilitation skills, Suzanne provides essential assistance to project managers in organizing details, documenting processes, and communicating status updates for major programs and projects.
Bringing outstanding relationships she has developed and cultivated with community-based organizations and M/W/DBE firms for nearly two decades, Suzanne conveys these benefits to her clients through her project work.
As a proud member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Suzanne has gone through the certification process to become certified as a M/W/DBE in 11 states and with the federal government. She uses the knowledge and expertise she’s gained to help other firms expand their capacity and improve their service levels. She builds productive, authentic relationships to work toward a more inclusive community with opportunities for all.
Community Involvement
- Indigenous land acknowledgment
- Cultural blessings
- Small business mentor
- Mentor in Port of Portland Mentor-Protege Program
- Soldier’s Best Friend Volunteer
- Phoenix Indian Center
- Clark County Sheriff’s Santa’s Posse
- Vancouver Public School Equity Advisory Board
- Evergreen Public School District: Native American Affinity Group Co-Facilitator
- Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians
- National Indian Gaming Association Alternate