11: How a Tragedy on the Field Became a Mission for Change - Suzanne McKenzie’s Story

In today’s inspiring episode, Shannon welcomes Suzanne McKenzie—creative visionary, founder of Able Made, and the grownwoman leader behind The Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation. She shares her evolution from growing up in Maine to shaping youth empowerment programs and purpose-driven fashion. Suzanne shares her journey through grief following the sudden loss of her husband and reveals how that life-altering tragedy ignited a movement that continues to change soccer athletes' lives. She brings wisdom and warmth to discussing equity in youth sports, sustainable fashion, and fair pay—all now integral to her mission.  From cold-calling Vogue to securing partnerships with Puma, Suzanne proves that resilience and purpose can outshine any playbook. Tune in to learn more about post-traumatic growth, building a legacy with intention, and showing up—even when it’s hard.  This one’s for every grownwoman redefining what success looks like, with heart.  KEY POINTS  00:00 - How a Tragedy on the Field Became a Mission for Change - Suzanne McKenzie’s Story 02:55 - From small-town athlete to founder, sports to a career in design 07:00 - Persistence for internships and mentors in top agencies 17:11 - Losing her husband, Ucal, to cardiac arrest 21:25 - Why grief needs more flexible resources 28:35 - Honoring her husband through accessible sports advocacy  31:42 - Why Able Made? Lifestyle, ethics, sustainability, and equity 40:10 - The future of sports in 10 years time QUOTES  “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.” – Suzanne McKenzie  “I wanted to do design and strategy work for brands that we’re doing the Ben and Jerry's of nonprofits, or just people, planet-driven business.” – Suzanne McKenzie “I think of [a grown woman as] against everything that women have been up against, and we just keep going. It's just grace, it's grit.” – Suzanne McKenzie  GUEST RESOURCES  Suzanne McKenzie  LinkedIn | @suzanne-mckenzie  RESOURCES  Shannon Allen  Grown Website | https://www.grown.org/  IG | @swalkerwil  🌱 Stay Connected & Explore More 🔗 Visit the Grown Website Grown.org 📲 Follow Shannon on Instagram @swalkerwil 🎧 Like, Share & Subscribe If this episode moved you, inspired you, or made you think, don’t keep it to yourself! Like, share, and subscribe to grownwoman on your favorite podcast platform. grownwoman is produced by EPYC Media Network