Join us for CWF’s Daytime meeting on

April 21st, 2025 11:30am to 1:00 pm

The Flame 

2301 Neuse Blvd, New Bern

CWF April Daytime Meeting

Speaker Suzanne Gifford

Craven County Partners in Education

Suzanne Gifford was born and raised in Sunnyvale in northern California. She earned a Master of Science in Community/Clinical Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fresno.

Suzanne has built an extensive career, leading initiatives and programs in the non-profit sector. She began her professional work in sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and prevention programs. She served as Executive Director of Coastal Center for Hope and Healing (formerly known as Coastal Women’s Shelter) from 1994 – 1997 and again from 2006 – 2010. During her leadership, the organization launched the Helping Hands Thrift Store, which continues to support its mission.  

Later, while serving as the Executive Director of the Craven Community College Foundation, Suzanne established the Community Fabric Awards, an initiative created to recognize individuals, businesses, and educators who strengthen and enrich our community.

Suzanne eventually returned to direct service work in early childhood education, working with Head Start and NC Pre-K programs. Through these roles, she has served families and communities across Craven, Jones, Pamlico, Carteret and Onslow counties.

For the past year and a half, Suzanne has served as the Executive Director of Craven County Partners in Education, where she works to strengthen partnerships between schools, businesses, and the community to support teacher and student success.  

Suzanne lives in New Bern with her husband, Rolly, and their recently adopted dog, Skye.   

**************************************************************

Thank You to Our April Dessert Sponsor

Kiana Breckenridge - SOS Global Express

Kiana Breckenridge was born and raised in Havelock, North Carolina—at least as much as a military brat can claim one hometown. Although her family moved around during her childhood, they somehow always found their way back to Havelock.

Kiana joined SOS Global Express, a global logistics company specializing in time-critical shipping and transportation for live events, sports broadcasts, and other high-stakes productions, in 2007. She quickly demonstrated her drive, dedication, and passion for service. Beginning in an entry-level Customer Service role, she steadily worked her way up to a Lead in her department and now manages the company’s Customer Service Department.

Over the years, Kiana has served as the lead Customer Service Representative on several major accounts, including the NFL, Dome Productions, NBC Sports, Golf Channel, LIV Golf, and many others. She is known for thriving under pressure, whether navigating the complexities of high-stakes live events or supporting demanding clients with calm professionalism.

Outside of work, Kiana is the parent of two young children, proving daily that coffee is a personality trait and sleep is for people with fewer responsibilities. She is also the proud caretaker of many exotic plants, though they have understandably taken second fiddle to the two little ones.

In addition to her professional role, Kiana has been an active member of her company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, serving on DEI teams for both her local company and its parent organization at the time. She is a fierce advocate for women in leadership and is deeply committed to elevating women into higher positions, supporting one another, and thriving in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

********************************************************************

Registration is required. Registration deadline is 5:00PM on the Sunday before the evening meeting.

Meal Cancellation Policy:

The final registration deadline is 5pm the Sunday before the meeting. For both the daytime and evening meetings, if you wish to receive a refund, the final cancellation deadline is 5pm the Sunday before the meeting. 

All cancellation requests and meeting registration questions must be sent to the appropriate coordinator at CWFlunch@gmail.comor CWFdinner@gmail.com. If you have not canceled your registration by the deadline, you will NOT receive a refund or credit.