Susan is a collaborator who gets things done. She listens, she learns, she acts.

MECKLENBURG
REVALUATION

MORE INFO

Meet Susan

Susan B. Harden is not a politician. She’s an educator, a doer and a dedicated public servant inspired to use her expertise in education and community engagement, as well as her background in finance and economics, to create real, actionable solutions to the challenges facing Mecklenburg County.

A 30-year resident of Charlotte, Susan has dedicated her career to public service. She is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, where she educates the teachers of tomorrow. She directs the college’s Civic Minor in Urban Youth and Communities and its Charlotte Community Scholars Program. She recently received Leadership Charlotte’s “Unsung Hero” award, and is a popular national speaker on social trust, service learning, education and community engagement.

Susan is a strategic thinker who takes a positive and collaborative approach to her work. A lifelong learner, she never loses sight of the big picture. She’s a decisive, action-oriented leader who cares deeply about her community.

On any given day you will find Susan:

Coaching a pre-service teacher on how to educate students with special needs
Working with a non-profit to create a meaningful internship for an enthusiastic college student who wants to give back to the community
Writing a letter of recommendation for a college student
Taking dinner to a friend
Meeting with leaders to discuss ideas for improving our community

Susan has been married to Brian Harden for nearly 25 years and they have two beautiful daughters, at UNC-Chapel Hill and Myers Park High School.

Incredible opportunity! Please take a screenshot & share.

I’m excited that @unccharlotte is almost back in session & I get to teach more students. What will get you out of bed tomorrow morning?

Participated in a gun violence press conference. Megan Beach, a UNC Charlotte student, spoke passionately about the need for action. We need to listen and act. #charlottestrong

Last night I got to attend a private fundraiser for @dan.mccready at the home of Erin & Sean Wagner. I loved getting to meet them AND support Dan for District 5! Make sure you get out Sept 10 for this special 🗳 election!

Sip with Susan meets Ladies Who Lunch with @shellylhenderson this Thursday at noon. Join in here or on Shelly’s IG!

Did you see yesterday’s @charlotteobserver? What are your thoughts?

THANK YOU. @unccharlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois you have been the leader our city & University have needed. Under your guidance, we’ve grown & made such an impact on every student who has walked our campus. I hope to be a similar leader throughout my days as I serve our city & students.

These high school students are working this week in Freedom Park removing invasive plants as paid workers in the NC Conservation Corp. Great program! District 5 thanks you!

People doing what they can when they can! Postcards and Prosecco for McCready. Fired up and ready to go.

300 young community leaders registering voters for Organizing Corps Day of Action. Fired up and ready to go! https://www.organizingcorps2020.com/

Listened and learned at the District 5 Latino Community Conversation. What an incredible growing and engaged community in South Charlotte. Today’s discussion was focused on education, economic mobility, and representation.

Harambee Reader this morning. Something Inside So Strong “The more you refuse to hear my voice, The louder I will sing. You hide behind walls of Jericho, your lies comes tumbling down.”

Listening to seniors at the McAlpine Terrace Apartments, the location of a Mecklenburg County Senior nutrition site. They love the staff and have concerns about transportation. Will meet with them again soon to get updates.

Touring Latta Park with community engagement volunteer Ruth Ann Grissom. Parks and Rec employees doing a tune up on the spray ground! Thanks to maintenance crews for keeping our parks in good shape.

I'm back from an incredible time hiking the Camino de Santiago. Now, I'm ready to get back to work for you. Let's choose to live each day to the max!

Everything I do is for the future of Charlotte. I want our city to offer the best of everything for our children. Who wants to join me?

How are you climbing to your best self today? Reply so we can cheer for you!

I'm excited to see another week of greatness happen for Charlotte-Mecklenburg. What are your goals this week?

Happy Saturday! Strolling with Susan on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway near Archdale. Beautiful crane fishing. ♥️ #meckparkrec

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”

— Confucius

Charlotte is Our Home.

Susan’s skills set combines the nurturing and common sense values of a mom with the smarts of a professor. Susan knows how to bring people together to solve our community’s challenges.