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Susan Puska

Susan Puska

Colonel (retired)

Followers of Susan Puska1000 followers
location of Susan PuskaArlington, Virginia, United States

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Founder, President and CEO, KANAVA International, LLC (2012-2022); Author, Seasons of the Birch

  • Education

    • U.S. Army War College

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      The United States Army War College (USAWC) - a United States Army institution in Carlisle, Pennsylvania - educates and develops leaders for service at the strategic level while advancing knowledge in the global application of landpower. USAWC prepares selected military, civilian, and international leaders for the responsibilities of strategic leadership; educates current and future leaders on the development and employment of landpower in a joint, multinational and interagency environment;… Show more The United States Army War College (USAWC) - a United States Army institution in Carlisle, Pennsylvania - educates and develops leaders for service at the strategic level while advancing knowledge in the global application of landpower. USAWC prepares selected military, civilian, and international leaders for the responsibilities of strategic leadership; educates current and future leaders on the development and employment of landpower in a joint, multinational and interagency environment; conducts research and publishes on national security and military strategy; and engages in activities in support of the Army’s strategic communication efforts. Upon completion, the college grants its graduates a master's degree in Strategic Studies.https://www.facebook.com/USAWC Show less

    • The Hopkins-Nanjing Center

      1988 - 1989

      The Hopkins–Nanjing Center, an international campus of the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, is a joint educational venture between Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University that opened in Nanjing, China in 1986.

    • University of Michigan

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      MA China Studies

    • University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School

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    • George Mason University

      2010 - 2012
      Master of Business Administration (MBA) Executive Global MBA

      George Mason University offered a great opportunity to develop business skills and perspectives needed for the international environment and helped expand cross cultural awareness through its Executive Global MBA program and concurrent international travel. The experience inspired me to start my own company in 2012 while I was still in the program.

    • University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School

      1985 - 1986
      Master's degree China Studies

  • Experience

    • US Army

      Jan 1977 - Jan 2005
      Colonel (retired)

      - Over ten years experience in China, South Korea, and Germany - China Foreign Area Officer - Led joint humanitarian logistics support to provide comprehensive assistance to over 30,000 Haitian and Cuban refugees - Supported U.S. Pacific Command’s medical humanitarian assistance to Mongolia - Noted China expert

    • Defense Group Inc

      Aug 2006 - Sept 2011
      Sr. Analyst

      - Researched emerging technologies- Researched global geopolitical issues with special focus on the Asia-Pacific region- Conducted competitive corporate and business sector research- Analyzed national security issues- Managed U.S. government contracts - Supervised research projects- Mentored staff

    • Kanava International, LLC

      Apr 2012 - Nov 2022
      President and CEO

      With projects in Colombia, Cambodia, West Africa, and the U.S., Kanava International focuses on empowering international development organizations to be sustainable and accountable.Our mission and focus is to help strengthen organizations to advance their long term growth and sustainability.Kanava works with international organizations to ensure their operational platforms support their activities. With an initial assessment, Kanava develops a gap analysis and designs a management capacity building plan for each organization that will ensure sustainability with strengthened policies, systems and procedures, and training that emphasizes a systematic approach. Kanava can provide supplemental capacity support services to clients in project management, friendly audits, compliance support, and training, coaching and mentoring. Kanava provides support for compliant funding management in international development awards to local organizations and U.S. small businesses. Kanava's "Going Global" services assist businesses and non-profit organizations with expansion and market diversification. Show less

  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Business Process Improvement Certificate