Suzan Richards
Women of Inspiration
Suzan Richards is a respected professional artist, cultural educator, and community leader whose work has significantly enriched Ottawa’s cultural landscape for more than 30 years. As the founder of The Cultural Arts Studio, she has played a pioneering role in preserving, promoting, and celebrating Afro-Caribbean dance and culture within the community.
Through her studio, Suzan created an inclusive and welcoming space where people of all ages, backgrounds, body types, and skill levels could connect through movement, music, and cultural expression. Her leadership not only deepened public appreciation for Afro-Caribbean heritage but also fostered confidence, wellness, and community connection for countless participants across Ottawa. Although the studio closed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Suzan has remained deeply committed to cultural preservation and education. Today, she continues this work through SoulRhythms free public workshops at the National Arts Centre, where she shares and celebrates dance traditions from Africa and the Caribbean.
Beyond her artistic contributions, Suzan has demonstrated exceptional civic leadership through extensive volunteer service. She serves on the Board of Directors of Multicultural Arts in Schools and Communities (MASC), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cultural awareness and artistic engagement in schools and communities. She also helps amplify diverse cultural voices as host of Caribbean Calendar on Rogers TV’s Cultural Mosaic programming.
Suzan has devoted countless volunteer hours to charitable and community organizations across Ottawa, including United Way Ottawa, the Snowsuit Fund, the Ottawa Food Bank, the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre, and fundraising initiatives supporting the Eating Disorders Clinic at CHEO.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honours, including a United Way Community Builder Award, Ontario’s Leading Women Leading Girls Building Communities Award, recognition among Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch and 100 Accomplished Black Women Award founded by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.
Suzan Richards’ enduring leadership, cultural advocacy, and volunteer service continue to inspire and strengthen Ottawa’s diverse communities.
