The Thumbprint of Leadership

Marketing professional makes her mark at Accenture and beyond.  

Suzanne Randall, ’95, is a leader whose thumbprint is unmistakable.

Her influence is evident in her professional achievements as Accenture’s United States Marketing + Communications Lead and the founder of the company’s Native American Employee Resource Group, and in her personal life as a proud Native American, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend.

“I’m passionate about my family, North Dakota roots and career in marketing + communications. As a girl from Grand Forks and proud enrolled tribal member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, I’ve used my platform to educate, build awareness, and build respect for Indian Country. I’m a storyteller at heart, proud of my heritage and the impact I can make in the world.”

The Thumbprint

Suzanne shared her story on the TEDx stage in 2022 (linked above), weaving together the people – especially the strong women – and experiences of her life through the lens of a thumbprint.

Suzanne’s great-grandmother, unable to read or write in English, was forced to sign a document with her thumbprint, sending her daughter – Suzanne’s grandma – to an American Indian Boarding school. Her grandma went on to use her own thumb to hitchhike away from that school. Suzanne’s mother, June (Parisien) Randall, ’78, ’81, later left the reservation with $5 and her belongings in a paper bag. She attended cosmetology school — using her thumbs (and fingers) to style hair, eventually earning degrees from UND and working for the University.

Those role models inspire Suzanne to continuously seek opportunities. At UND, Suzanne found mentors like Dr. Lucy Ganje, who helped her become laser-focused on her communications career.  Ganje led the Indians into Journalism initiative, where Suzanne served as a reporter. “That experience laid a strong foundation, allowing me to blend my native storytelling and communication skills early in my life,” Suzanne said.

She is also grateful for her experience at UND’s Studio One television station and an internship at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. “Just as I started, Nancy Kerrigan was attacked, and the whole Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan scandal unfolded. I was in the Office of Public Information and Media Relations. I had a front-row seat in how to manage crisis communications.”

Before graduating, Suzanne studied in Norway for six months. The U.S. Department of Education then awarded her a full-ride scholarship to attend graduate school at Northwestern University outside of Chicago.

“That’s the beauty of college – you see the opportunities ahead of you, dig in, take them by the horns, and see what you learn,” Suzanne said. “Having a lifelong love of learning is essential for any career.”

Learning, Every Day

Suzanne began her Accenture career in Atlanta in 1996 and even after 28 years, Suzanne learns something new every day. She has worked across various divisions, traveled internationally, and moved across the country. (She now lives outside Denver.)

“It’s been an adventure,” she said. “But it’s the quality of the people and the countless opportunities to learn and grow that have kept me motivated and loyal.”

Appreciating Diversity

Nine years into her career and on maternity leave with her first child, Suzanne thought about her experiences at Accenture, including attending events for the company’s diverse array of Employee Resource Group activities.

While she appreciated learning about different people and cultures, Suzanne noticed a gap in the groups; there wasn’t one for Native Americans. She wrote a one-page business case, pitched it to Accenture, and got immediate approval. With $500 and eight members — half of whom were not Native American — Suzanne launched Accenture’s Native American Employee Resource Group. “The goal was simple: create a group that provides recognition and opportunities, and use it as a platform to recruit more Native Americans into the company.”

Today, the group has over 500 members and a $10,000 budget. Accenture has also awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships to over 120 Native American students from across 60 tribes.

The group also brings more underrepresented communities into technology. “Technology is everywhere, and it has the power to really level the playing field,” Suzanne said.
“Accenture doesn’t just talk about our unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity; our actions speak volumes. I’m proud to be an authentic example of that story.”

Love What You Do

“I love what I do, I love the people I work with, and I love that every day I have the opportunity to make an impact with our clients, our people, and our community. I’m passionate about building and strengthening the Accenture brand with the best team on the planet.”

Suzanne said marketing + communications professionals build brand love by creating meaningful experiences, which is evident in her work on high-profile partnerships, including the PGA and LPGA.

With the promotion to her current role in September, Suzanne’s influence continues to grow throughout Accenture. More importantly, her “thumbprint” is all over the people and places in her life, lending its unique character to every situation she touches.