This month, we are proud to recognize Suanne Rinta, North District Director, as our Leadership Team Spotlight.

Suanne recently celebrated an incredible milestone—45 years of service at Hope Services. Since joining the organization in 1980, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence, confidence, and connection through meaningful employment.

Over the past four and a half decades, Suanne has been instrumental in developing innovative programs and partnerships that have transformed lives throughout the Bay Area. She played a key role in launching collaborative initiatives with educational institutions and employers, helping individuals gain the skills needed to thrive both in the workplace and in their communities.

One of Suanne’s most impactful accomplishments was bringing Project SEARCH to the region in 2012. Through partnerships with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Stanford Health Care, and Kaiser Permanente, the program provides immersive workplace training and internship experiences that prepare participants for competitive employment. Today, an impressive 94% of Project SEARCH graduates secure employment, demonstrating the lasting impact of the program and Suanne’s leadership.

Beyond Project SEARCH, Suanne has cultivated relationships with employers across industries, including Safeway, The Home Depot, Google, and Microsoft, expanding opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful careers. Her work has helped reshape perceptions about disability inclusion while opening doors for thousands of people to participate more fully in community life.

Those who know Suanne describe her as a humble and dedicated leader who prefers to focus on outcomes rather than recognition. Her commitment to creating pathways to dignity, belonging, and opportunity continues to inspire colleagues across Hope Services.

Thank you, Suanne, for 45 years of leadership and advocacy. Your impact can be seen in the countless lives, careers, and communities you have helped transform.