For Susana Sandoval, the inherent complexity of community affairs is precisely what first drew her to the field. As the senior director of government and community affairs at First American Title Insurance, Sandoval oversees a broad national portfolio that encompasses government relations, corporate reputation, nonprofit partnerships, philanthropy, and disaster response. Navigating this diverse array of responsibilities requires leveraging deep-rooted relationships with senior government officials, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and a wide network of stakeholders across the United States. Often, her work is put to the test during critical moments that demand both strategic agility and emotional intelligence.
Reflecting on her career path, Sandoval explains that her passion stems from a long-held belief in the power of collective action. She notes that bringing people together for a common purpose is uniquely rewarding, but what ultimately drew her deeper into the profession was the realization that a personal desire to give back could be scaled into broader, systemic impact. According to Sandoval, there are tangible strategic imperatives behind corporate community engagement. Success requires a deep understanding of what a community truly needs, an honest assessment of where an organization is best positioned to make a difference, and the collaborative skill to unite the right people and resources to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Sandoval’s dedication to addressing disparities is rooted in her early observations of the world, where she recognized that unnecessary suffering is far too common. Unwilling to remain on the sidelines, she sought out a career that would allow her to tackle these systemic inequities from multiple vantage points. Her perspective was deeply shaped by her formative years, during which she split her time between rural communities and the bustling urban environment of Los Angeles. Growing up navigating such distinct environments provided her with an invaluable lesson: people can experience the exact same world in radically different ways.
What appears to be an obvious opportunity to one individual can often seem entirely out of reach to someone else, a reality that has taught Sandoval the importance of deep listening. Rather than approaching situations with preconceived notions, she emphasizes the value of intellectual curiosity and attentiveness to the unspoken needs of others—recognizing that people frequently require support they may not know how to articulate. This empathetic worldview has proven essential, whether she is sitting down with a local grassroots nonprofit, negotiating with a business leader, or engaging with a government official.
Genuine Curiosity and Authentic Leadership
A cornerstone of Sandoval’s professional effectiveness is her genuine affinity for people. She approaches her interactions with a sincere interest in individuals’ personal stories rather than merely focusing on their professional titles. Understanding that humor can often serve as the fastest bridge across social divides, she utilizes warmth and self-deprecating humor to put people at ease, build rapport, and foster authentic connections—all while maintaining an unwavering focus on high-level execution.
In Sandoval’s view, trust cannot be manufactured overnight; it must be cultivated long before an organization or individual finds themselves in need of assistance. She prioritizes active listening, anticipates the needs of her stakeholders, and rigorously follows through on her commitments. Transparency is another foundational pillar of her leadership philosophy. By ensuring that her positions are communicated clearly, she fosters an environment of mutual respect where stakeholders understand precisely where she stands, regardless of whether they ultimately share her perspective.
This relationship-driven approach has repeatedly translated into tangible, real-world impact. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to transition to remote learning, Sandoval watched as students were abruptly sent home to continue their education virtually. While the professional world scrambled to adapt to remote work arrangements, Sandoval’s mind kept returning to the children who lacked the basic technology—such as laptops and reliable internet access—necessary to participate in distance learning.
The challenge was immense. The immediate need was glaringly obvious, but the logistical hurdles were formidable, particularly at a time when laptops were facing severe global shortages and were nearly impossible to source. Refusing to let the difficulty of the situation stall her efforts, Sandoval reframed the problem. Instead of asking how her company could solve the crisis alone, she asked a broader network-oriented question: Who do we know, and how can we collaborate to get these crucial devices directly into the hands of students?
Leveraging her extensive corporate network, which included suppliers, contractors, and industry peers, Sandoval explored avenues to procure discounted laptops for donation. Her team strategically focused their efforts on communities experiencing the most acute technological disparities, including Chicago and Los Angeles. Through persistent outreach, she found a community of partners and colleagues who were eager to pitch in.
Reflecting on that initiative, Sandoval notes that it served as a powerful reminder of what a mobilized network can achieve. When the right people are united around a shared, clearly understood need, challenges that initially seemed insurmountable begin to feel surmountable. Thanks to the generosity and swift action of her network, more than one thousand school children received the laptops they needed to continue their education.
Advice from a Pro and Investing in the Future
For emerging professionals looking to build meaningful careers, Sandoval offers a straightforward piece of advice: build your network long before you actually need to call upon it. Sandoval began cultivating her own professional relationships before she had fully mapped out the trajectory of her career, driven primarily by a sincere curiosity about people rather than an agenda of what they could do for her. That authentic style of engagement laid the groundwork for lasting connections that would pay dividends years down the line.
Sandoval cautions young professionals against confusing genuine networking with the superficial collection of business cards. She urges individuals to invest time in getting to know people, offering assistance when possible, and following through on promises. Simple gestures—such as calling someone just to check in without asking for a favor—help forge resilient relationships that can organically open doors when least expected.
Committed to paying her success forward, Sandoval actively invests in the next generation of leaders. Through her involvement with organizations such as Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and through everyday mentorship in her workplace, she seeks to uplift others through conversations, strategic introductions, and timely words of encouragement. Whenever professional opportunities arise, she makes a deliberate effort to advocate for others, ensuring their names are brought into important rooms. As Sandoval observes, one of the most rewarding aspects of personal career growth is reaching a stage where you can actively help lift others along their professional journeys.
