Susan R. Mende

Ms. Mende joined the Foundation in 2008.
She is engaged in an RWJF national program effort to help consumers take an active role in improving the quality of health care in their communities, and works to address the adverse impacts of language barriers in limiting access to quality health care.
She has wealth of experience working with underserved populations in the United States, Asia and Australia, Previously, Ms. Mende co-founded and was vice president for programs for the Tsao Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older people in Singapore and Asia Pacific region.
She co-developed the Foundation’s key divisions, managed community-based health service programs, and oversaw extensive staff and regional training for nurses, doctors, and other professionals.
While at the Tsao, Ms. Mende served as principal consultant for the World Health Organization Age Friendly Primary Health Care Project, which sought to adapt primary care delivery systems to the needs of older clients.
Ms. Mende holds an MPH from Hunter College, New York and a BS in nursing from San Francisco State University.