After receiving a degree in chemical engineering, Sue Baggot spent 18 years in Global Innovation at Procter & Gamble working with big-name brands such as Pantene, Cover Girl, and Pampers to create products that enhance and improve consumers’ lives. She went on to found her own consulting business Power Within Consulting in 2014 — her focus being on helping clients develop capability in customer-centric innovation and business strategy to inspire future success. Since 2016, she’s been involved in angel and impact investing through both regional and national angel groups, sitting on the board of two startup companies. Sue has a passion for philanthropy and inspiring others, as she aims to create positive change in her work and empower future leaders. She does this not only in her professional life, but also through her involvement in Cincinnati’s non-profit community and by delivering dynamic workshops on insight-inspired innovation and angel investing at various colleges, including her alma mater.
Why did you decide to come to Lehigh?
SB: My family has a long legacy at Lehigh University, as my father, grandfather, great grandfather, and several other family members attended. Growing up, my family made many trips to campus — I started going to Lehigh vs. Lafayette rivalry football games when I was 2 years old. Initially, I was uncertain about attending Lehigh, as I wanted to make my own decision about choosing a college instead of just following family tradition. My grandfather Lathrop Bevan (1921) was always supportive of my endeavors and told me that I could be anything I wanted to be. I always loved science and math, so he encouraged me to consider studying engineering. Once I decided to pursue a degree in chemical engineering, Lehigh became one of my top choices. Upon acceptance, I was awarded the Dexter Baker Scholarship, a partial merit-based scholarship. I was the 10th member of my family and the first woman in my family to attend Lehigh. I graduated with a BSc in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Biology in 1983. Since then, both of my sisters, my niece and my nephew have attended Lehigh.
How did you navigate through being in a major that was skewed male?
SB: When I was a freshman, the ratio of men to women at Lehigh was about 3.5-to-1. However, my chemical engineering classes had a ratio of about 10-to-1. I wasn’t uncomfortable in my classes that were majority male because I had grown up having close male friends. I also had terrific female classmates, so I never felt alone. I believe that being able to successfully navigate a male-dominated major and university, which ultimately helped me feel comfortable entering a male-dominated field. I faced periodic challenges in the workplace, as female engineers were not common, but the confidence I gained in Lehigh’s competitive environment helped me work through those challenges.
How did your friendships and relationships with other women at Lehigh shape your student experience?
SB: I made a lot of friends in my dorm, McClintic-Marshall, which had a mix of freshmen and sophomores. To build more female friendships, I joined Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the lacrosse team. When I was a senior, I was encouraged by some of my younger sorority sisters to join the cheer team, which is something I did in high school. It made my senior year even more enjoyable.
How did your experience as a woman at Lehigh prepare you for the professional and person you are today?
SB: I have very fond memories from my time at Lehigh, which I believe prepared me well academically and socially. From an academic perspective, the rigorous courses within the chemical engineering curriculum taught me how to problem solve in business and in life. Through them, I also formed strong relationships with several of my classmates and professors, who were all very supportive. My Lehigh network only expanded after graduation when I was recruited into the Lehigh Alumni chapter in Cincinnati. Being involved in Greek life and sports also allowed me to develop strong leadership, social, and interpersonal skills. My experiences at Lehigh built a strong foundation for growth in my ability to lead as I progressed professionally, taking on more senior roles.
Special thanks to Christina Perrier ’23 for editorial support.