Susan Tanaka
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Compassionate and mission-driven leader with over two decades of experience in nonprofit operations, volunteer supervision, crisis response, and community advocacy. Proven success in cultivating strategic partnerships, coordinating impactful programs, and leading hundreds of volunteers with empathy and excellence. Deeply committed to TIP’s mission and currently serving as Assistant Program Director at TIP of Long Beach. Known for servant leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to inspire collective action for public good.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Program Director | Dispatcher | Debriefer | Probationary TIP National Trainer
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach
08.2024 - Current
- Supervise and support over 30 active crisis response volunteers.
- Lead volunteer recruitment and coordinate the multi-week TIP Training Academy.
- Serve as a dispatcher and debriefer, ensuring volunteer preparedness and emotional wellness.
- Continue to respond as an active volunteer, providing on-scene emotional first aid with first responders.
- Assist the TIP National Administrator with projects and social media efforts.
- Represent TIP at city events, law enforcement briefings, and public safety meetings.
- Build and maintain partnerships with police, fire, city officials, hospitals and community organizations.
- Serve as a probationary TIP National Trainer, contributing to national education and development.
- Support TIP fundraising, community outreach, and digital communications.
Volunteer Crisis Counselor (Online)
The Trevor Project
07.2022 - Current
- Deliver affirming, confidential chat-based support to LGBTQ+ youth in emotional distress.
- Trained in suicide prevention, de-escalation, and trauma-informed practices.
Legal Assistant / Medical Coordinator
Law Office of Kuper and Wilson
04.2013 - 08.2021
- Coordinated medical and legal documentation for personal injury cases, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
- Served as a liaison between clients, insurance companies, medical providers, and attorneys.
Volunteer Leader: Rogers Middle School PTA, Polytechnic High School PTA, John C. Fremont Elementary PTA
Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)
09.2002 - 06.2016
- Supervised and coordinated hundreds of volunteers across multiple schools.
- Cultivated strong relationships with LBUSD leadership and the Long Beach Education Foundation.
- Advocated for and helped secure funding for science, technology, and middle school sports programs.
- Led numerous initiatives including enrichment programs, drama club, and large-scale fundraising campaigns.
- Held positions such as President, Treasurer, Executive VP, and Chair of multiple PTA committees.
Customer Service & Loss Prevention Manager
DSL Transportation
03.1991 - 04.1999
- Managed customer service department and supervised frontline teams of up to 30 full time employees
- Developed and implemented loss prevention protocols across company operations.
Education
Master’s Degree - Asian Studies
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05-2008
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Boston University
Boston, MA01.1991
Skills
- Nonprofit Leadership & Volunteer Supervision
- Emotional First Aid & Crisis Response
- Dispatching & Debriefing Protocols
- Community Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy
- Fundraising & Program Development
- Event Planning & Public Speaking
- Microsoft Office and Canva
Timeline
Assistant Program Director | Dispatcher | Debriefer | Probationary TIP National Trainer
Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Long Beach
08.2024 - Current
Volunteer Crisis Counselor (Online)
The Trevor Project
07.2022 - Current
Legal Assistant / Medical Coordinator
Law Office of Kuper and Wilson
04.2013 - 08.2021
Volunteer Leader: Rogers Middle School PTA, Polytechnic High School PTA, John C. Fremont Elementary PTA
Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD)
09.2002 - 06.2016
Customer Service & Loss Prevention Manager
DSL Transportation
03.1991 - 04.1999
Master’s Degree - Asian Studies
California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Boston University
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