Tribute to NAWBO Founder - Susan Hager

We are sad to announce the passing of one of our founding mothers, and our first national President, Susan Hager. Susan died on July 26 at her home in Washington, DC. She was 63.

In 1973, Hager founded Hager Sharp, an independent social marketing communications firm, with Marsha Sharp, who retired in 1993. Hager Sharp, which has a staff of 40, focuses on health, education, and safety.

Hager was a stalwart supporter of women’s economic and social rights. She co-founded the National Association of Women Business Owners in 1974 and was its first President. Hager also worked diligently with a group of dedicated members to elevate the involvement of NAWBO in political advocacy, from getting a seat at the table at several White House Conferences on Small Business in the 1980’s to crafting and leading the push for the passage of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988.

“We truly mourn the loss of one of our key leaders and visionaries,” says Cynthia McClain-Hill, 2008-09 NAWBO national president and managing partner of Strategic Counsel of Los Angeles, CA. “Susan was not only one of NAWBO’s founders, she remained committed and active in our organization for over thirty years. Her dedication and guiding hand have meant a great deal to thousands of women business owners across the nation; her voice and spirit will be sorely missed.”

Hager was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease several years ago, receiving a kidney transplant in 2001. She is survived by her husband, Eric Hager, and daughter, Elizabeth Finley; granddaughters, Kathryn and Jane Finley; sister, Karla Cox; and brothers, Richard Kulka, Andrew Kulka, John Kulka, and Ned Kulka.

A private service has been held, and a public memorial service is planned for September. Memorial contributions may be directed to:

Washington Hospital Center Kidney Transplant Fund
Washington Hospital Center Foundation
110 Irving Street, NW
East Building
Room 1001
Washington, DC 20010

For additional information on the life and legacy of Hager, please visit: http://www.hagersharp.com/obituary.htm

To contribute your thoughts and memories of Hager for a planned tribute book celebrating her life and NAWBO leadership, please send any written or pictorial remembrances to NAWBO board member Julie Weeks, at jweeks@womenable.com.