Susan Marriott, Co-Founder
Susan is a mother of two adult sons, Marvin and Max. In 2002, her sons were diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome and from that point on Susan’s passion and focus turned to advocating for the support and educational needs of her sons and other adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Susan attended the University of Wisconsin - Eau Clare where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS) and began her professional career at Krueger Printing Company and IBM respectively.
● Krueger Printing Company (1986-1989) focusing on project management, design and implementation of hardware and software information technology solutions for the printing and bindery divisions.
● IBM (1989-2002) successfully built client relationships and worked with the midrange team to design, market, and implement hardware, software and services solutions for businesses throughout Wisconsin.
Susan is a committed volunteer and has served at several non-profit organizations including: Junior Achievement, Best Buddies of Wisconsin, Special Olympics, and The Bay Harbor Foundation. In 1999, Susan joined The Bay Harbor Foundation, a non-profit community organization in Northern Michigan and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary from 1999-2005; as well as, the Board of Directors for the Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Petoskey, Michigan from 2001-2005. Susan is currently serving a third term on the Bay Harbor Yacht Club Board.
There is a chronic shortage of quality living and learning solutions across the state and region for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities and Susan was determined to change this projection and soon was on the path to co-founding Journey21, a non-profit organization located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Journey21 is a fast growing organization developing living and learning solutions and providing accessible and meaningful opportunities for education, employment, life skills development, social activities, and advocacy for adults and families living with an intellectual or developmental disability.
Susan and Co-Founder, Sheila Frisinger, were recognized as recipients of the 2022 Women & Girls Fund of Waukesha County Women of Distinction Award for their leadership and positive impact that Journey21 has made on adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Waukesha County and surrounding communities. Susan’s core belief is that life is a journey and everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best life.