This week, we are featuring Susan Tulashie.

Susan joined MACV after two decades at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, where she worked in the Equal Opportunity Office. In that role, she visited 48 Workforce Centers across the state to ensure equal access for all Minnesotans and managed a Welfare-to-Work program that supported more than 500 women and children through the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

Susan was drawn to MACV because she “saw a real need to educate marginalized communities on the importance of understanding their finances in order to achieve their goals.” Today, she serves as MACV’s Financial Stability Program Manager, helping Veterans build realistic budgets, identify spending patterns, review credit reports, and explore debt consolidation.

“Our Veterans who are homeless have additional challenges that are not recognized by the community. Their experience overseas and in the USA has had an impact on their transition from military life to civilian life. These challenges encompass mental and physical health issues, as well as financial difficulties. One study showed that Financial insecurity is the number one indicator for Veteran homelessness.” -Susan Tulashie

For Susan, the most rewarding part of her work is collaborating with dedicated staff who strive to deliver comprehensive services to end Veteran homelessness.

Outside of work, Susan enjoys reading, cooking, and time with her family. She and her husband travel to Ghana annually and hope to retire there in the near future. She also volunteers with seniors at Central High School in St. Paul, assisting them in creating budgets.

Thank you, Susan, for your leadership and service to our community!