Susan B. Noyes
Founder & Chief Visionary Officer
Susan B. Noyes is the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer of the Make It Better Foundation, known for its vibrant lifestyle publishing platform and annual Philanthropy Awards.
A mother of eight, grandmother of nine (and hopeful of more), passionate storyteller, teacher, philanthropist, and Sidley Austin attorney, Susan is a common sense problem solver and intuitive community builder.
She proudly helps outstanding organizations own their expertise online in order and amplify their social impact.
She has also served on the Harvard University Graduate School of Education Visiting Committee, and boards for the Poetry Foundation, American Red Cross, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Music Institute Of Chicago, New Trier High School District 203, and Kenilworth Union Church. Also, she was a founding board member of the Chicago Public Education Fund and the Rush Neurobehavioral Center For Children.
A long-term transplant from North Carolina, I have called Chicagoland home for 32 years. I serve as Chief Operating Officer of Make It Better Foundation.
I am a trained spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition through Loyola University Chicago.
I find joy in Lake Michigan sunrises, sandy dogs, and paddleboarding. My husband and I have 3 adult children.
Brooke McDonald is the editor-in-chief of the Make It Better Foundation. A Chicago native, she began her journalism career at publications like O, The Oprah Magazine and SHAPE Magazine.
Her work as a theme park and entertainment expert with a primary focus on Disney and Star Wars has appeared in Insider, The Points Guy, Parents, TravelPulse, MSN, CNBC, Attractions Magazine and more.
Her favorite nonprofits to support include Give Kids the World Village and Make a Wish. Follow her on Instagram @brookegmcdonald and Twitter @BrookeGMcDonald.
Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
Jennifer is Make It Better Foundation’s Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, support the organizations trusted mission to identify, support and promote the most impactful nonprofits in their sector, thereby accelerating efforts. to make life, and the world better.
Honored to support impactful storytelling and content strategies, while growing a network of well-informed, committed philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and media partners that are passionate about making a difference.
As the Executive Assistant at the Make It Better Foundation, Michelle plays a pivotal role in supporting the CEO and the dynamic team in various administrative capacities. From collaborating with staff and organization leaders to interfacing with local and national nonprofits, Michelle likes to ensure needs are addressed promptly and professionally.
Passionate about contributing to the entrepreneurial giving movement, Michelle thrives in fostering a seamless flow of communication and efficiency within the organization. Dedicated to the Foundation’s mission to identify, support, and promist the most impactful nonprofits in their sector, thereby accelerating efforts to make life, and the world, better.