Suzanne Biegel Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a visionary and leader, Suzanne Biegel. Suzanne was a true architect of systemic change and a catalyst in the sphere of impactful, gender-sensitive investing. Her memory will become eternally etched in every initiative she undertook. Moreover, her spirit ignited a mini revolution. In addition, in her honor, we remain committed to pushing the envelope further.
Suzanne Biegel’s lasting legacy is her pioneering role in shaping gender-smart investing. Her efforts were pivotal in transforming a scattered global community aiming to channel investments towards women, into a cohesive movement with a multifaceted and sophisticated approach, influencing and mobilizing billions of dollars.
Known for her thought leadership and groundbreaking research, Suzanne was a linchpin in the impact investing field. Her collaborations with diverse organizations like Veris Wealth Partners, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Wharton Social Impact Initiative, UNICEF, Kite Insights, and UBS yielded innovative insights on gender lens investing and its intersection with climate change.
As a co-founder of GenderSmart, Suzanne cultivated both physical and virtual forums that united gender-smart investors worldwide, promoting knowledge sharing, innovative ideas, and fruitful collaborations that will perpetuate and expand the movement posthumously. In late 2022, GenderSmart amalgamated with 2X Collaborative, emerging as 2X Global.
Suzanne’s generosity and esteemed presence felt in various communities she was part of. Her affiliations included being an Aspen Institute Fellow. In addition, a board member of the Liberty Hill Foundation, the founder of Women In Social Finance. Lastly, the former CEO of Investors’ Circle in the US.
Before immersing herself in impact investing. Moreover, Suzanne initiated her professional journey at IBM and Prodigy. Later co-founding IEC with her close associate Sandy Rand. Furthermore, contributing to the evolution of technology-delivered learning programs.
Beyond her professional milestones, Suzanne became celebrated for her genuine connections and the joy she derived from relationships. Colleagues transformed into cherished friends, and the women she rallied with for gender-smart investing became her closest allies and pillars of support.
A dedicated environmentalist, Suzanne had a profound connection with the ocean, stemming from her passion for sailing. In her final years, she dedicated herself to exploring the crossroads of gender and climate, channeling funds to ventures at this juncture. The Suzanne Biegel and Daniel Maskit Endowment, ‘Heading for Change,’ was a testament to this commitment, amassing over $3.35 million from various donors since its inception in April 2023.
Suzanne, survived by her beloved husband Daniel, family members, and a legacy that will resonate through generations. The team at Heading for Change extends heartfelt condolences and hopes Suzanne’s exemplary life continues to inspire courage, compassion, and boldness.
In lieu of flowers, Daniel suggests considering a donation to Heading for Change to honor Suzanne’s memory. For contributions and further inquiries, please contact Samantha Anderson at samantha@headingforchange.org.
Remembering A Life of Purpose and Connection — Heading for Change
University of Pennsylvania (upenn.edu)
