Strategy with Soul. Experience that Delivers.

30+ years helping purpose-driven programs, people, and businesses make a measurable difference.

Sue Hyatt

Social Impact and Business Growth Strategist

Phone: (720) 593-0808
Email: sue at bigpurposebigimpact.com
Location: Denver, CO

About Me

I’ve spent more than 30 years helping organizations—from grassroots AmeriCorps programs to international nonprofits to to purpose-led companies—build strategies that actually make a difference. Along the way, I’ve led evaluations in 32 countries, launched one of the nation’s first CSR business coalitions, and trained thousands of leaders on how to turn good intentions into real impact.

Today, I bring all of that to women entrepreneurs ready to grow businesses that give back and thrive.

Core Skills & Expertise

Strategic Social Impact Design

Purpose-Driven Business Growth

Impact Measurement & ROI Analysis

Business-Nonprofit Partnership Development

Organizational Change Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Key Leadership Positions

1997 – Present

Founder + Principal

Big Purpose Big Impact, LLC

Strategic consulting and training for nonprofits, social enterprises, and values-driven companies.
 

  • Designed outcome-based evaluation strategies for AmeriCorps, USAID, and Save the Children.

  • Led national and international training on logic models and impact measurement.

  • Developed purpose-aligned giving programs and cause marketing strategies.

2013 – 2015

Founding Executive Director

B:CIVIC 

Business Committed to Investing and Volunteering in the Community
 

  • Built a coalition of companies of all sizes .

  • Launched Colorado’s first network for CSR leaders and community engagement pros.

  • Positioned B:CIVIC as a national leader in strategic business philanthropy.

1990 – 1993

Team Leader

Global Development Work

Program strategist, evaluator, and researcher
 

  • Led project design and evaluation teams for USAID projects, including the $10M Jordanian Maternal Health Project and $80M AVSC Project
  • Served as Project Manager for $32M CARE and $230M Pathfinder International projects and PL 480 food program in Haiti

Education

  • ABD/PhD Sociology – Social Change, Colorado State University

  • M.S. International Public Health Nutrition, Virginia Tech

  • B.S. Foods and Nutrition, Minor in Anthropology, University of Maine

  • Fulbright Scholar, Sociology Department, University of Helsinki 
  • AAAS Science Engineering and Diplomacy Postdoc Fellow, USAID Global Health

  • Certified Professional Effectiveness Coach – New Ventures West, San Francisco
  • Advanced Leadership Transformation Program, Shakti Communications – Santa Barbara, CA

  • Transformation Circle Program, Shakti Communications – Santa Barbara, CA

  • Center Ring with Brendon Burchard, Burchard Group, LLC – Portland, OR

  • Experts Academy, Burchard Group, LLC – Portland, OR

  • Partnership Development, Burchard Group, LLC – Portland, OR

  • Board Member Training, Spark the Change Colorado – Denver, CO

Publications & Thought Leadership

Award Winning Author

Strategy for Good: Business Giving Strategies for the 21st Century

Published: 2011 | Updated Edition: 2025

This groundbreaking guide provides practical frameworks for businesses to design and implement strategic social impact initiatives that create value for communities and companies alike. The book has been widely adopted by corporate social responsibility professionals, and purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Awards & Recognition:

  • 2012 Axiom Business Book Awards, Bronze in Nonprofit/Philanthropy category

  • 2012 Next Generation Indie Books Awards, Third Grand Prize Winner for Nonfiction

  • 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Winner in the Business category

  • 2012 Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Award, Bronze in Business/Career category

Conference Leadership

Strategy for Good Summit Series

Founder & Executive Producer | 2014, 2016, 2018

Created and led this influential online summit series bringing together business leaders, nonprofit executives, and impact investors to explore innovative approaches to corporate social responsibility and community investment.

Each event featured:

  • 30+ expert speakers from across sectors
  • Interactive workshops on impact measurement, strategic partnerships, and employee engagement
  • Case study showcases of successful purpose-driven business initiatives
  • Networking opportunities connecting over 250 leaders per event

The Purpose-Driven Business Summit

Host & Executive Producer | 2019

Created and led this influential online summit series bringing together business leaders, nonprofit executives, and impact investors to explore innovative approaches to corporate social responsibility and community investment.

Each event featured:

  • 30+ expert speakers from across sectors
  • Interactive workshops on impact measurement, strategic partnerships, and employee engagement
  • Case study showcases of successful purpose-driven business initiatives
  • Networking opportunities connecting over 250 leaders per event

Speaking Engagements

Selected topics include:

    • The evolution of corporate social responsibility
    • Measuring social impact ROI
    • Creating strategic nonprofit partnerships
    • Engaging employees through purpose
    • Women’s leadership in the purpose economy

Selected organizations include:

    • Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
    • Association of State Service Commissions
    • Social Venture Partners Denver
    • Denver Community Foundation
    • Toledo Community Foundation
    • Black Hills State University
    • Wyoming Philanthropy Days
    • Colorado Nonprofit Association

Media Commentary & Expert Appearances

Recognized authority on strategic social impact. Featured in business and industry publications including Inc, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and Entrepreneur and local news.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

“If it’s not making a difference—why do it?”

Strategy isn’t about theory—it’s about focus, alignment, and action. Whether I’m helping a small team clarify their impact goals or coaching a woman entrepreneur to align giving with growth, I bring curiosity, clarity, and a deep belief in doing good on purpose.

Ready to Create Purpose-Driven Impact?

Let’s explore how strategic social impact can fuel your business growth.