Our Board Members are amazing, and we’d like you to meet one of our newest board members, Suellen Carson. For more than a decade, the Gazelle Foundation’s board of directors has committed wholeheartedly to providing access to clean water for the people of Burundi. We want you to get to know the people behind the scenes who make the mission possible.
The Gazelle Foundation Welcomes Suellen Carson to the Board
Suellen Carson is the founder and administrator of Benevolent Care Home Health Care Services, a provider of home health, physical therapy, and nursing services in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. She has played an active role in fundraising and community awareness for multiple international philanthropic organizations, including Caring For Cambodia and the Gazelle Foundation.
Her interest in clean water began when she was visiting a third-world country and experienced the difficulty of receiving clear, clean water even at a five-star hotel. As rust-colored water turned cola-brown while it poured from the water tap, she explains, “I realized in that moment that not any fancy marble, plush towels, or bottles of water that laid around the decadent bathroom could conceal the truth.” Clean water is a precious resource, key to good health, and certainly not a resource to take for granted. Suellen’s interview follows:
How did you get connected to the Gazelle Foundation?
“I remember reading about the Rwandan genocide when I was a young teen—feeling heartache, despair, and confusion about why no one was helping. The inability of the international community to effectively respond was frustrating. How could something like this happen? As a nation, I think many carry a sense that we should have done more.
In 2020, I read Gilbert’s book This Voice In My Heart and had no idea that the genocide also spread to neighboring Burundi. The details of what Gilbert endured were painful, but it was his decision to forgive that moved me most. Forgiveness has taken on a new meaning in my life. After finishing the book, I went straight to the Gazelle Foundation website and became an AMAZI for Burundi member, eager to make a difference and learn more about its mission to bring clean water to rural Burundi.”
Suellen Carson is pictured second from right with friends at the Spring For The Water Gala, a benefit for the Gazelle Foundation.
(L-R) Leigh Parks, Suellen Carson, Elsie Shartin Folkert
“I love having conversations that open that door—connecting the Foundation with individuals or groups who want to make a difference. When someone feels moved to give in their own unique way, they have the power to create real change. ”
What motivated you to join the Board?
“The Foundation’s direct impact—reaching communities and villages in Burundi—was what first drew me in. The people on the board, the hands-on nature of a true working board, and of course, Gilbert, all inspired me to get involved. What stood out most to me is that the trenches for the water systems are dug by hand by members of the very communities who will benefit. In a country that has endured unimaginable hardship, including genocide and civil war, the Gazelle Foundation is helping restore agency and dignity. Rather than a benefactor sending a machine to do the work, community members come together to build something of their own. I am honored to be part of the group.”
How does your unique background and perspective help move the mission forward?
“What keeps me engaged is seeing how many people genuinely want to help. Whether it’s volunteering, raising awareness, running a race, or bringing people together, there are so many meaningful ways to support the mission. I love having conversations that open that door—connecting the Foundation with individuals or groups who want to make a difference. When someone feels moved to give in their own unique way, they have the power to create real change. Helping people realize that and feel empowered by it brings me a lot of joy.”
Children surround a water tap stand that is part of the Merenge-Shanga Water System #73 celebrate access to clean water near their school. Now they can spend more time focused on their education.
What do you like to do in your (limited!) spare time?
“I love spending time with my family—whether we’re traveling, hanging out at home, or going out for ramen. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my friends. I enjoy running, yoga, and reading. I love running with Gilbert’s Gazelles—or sometimes solo. I enjoy volunteering with my daughters and friends at Caritas of Austin, which works to end homelessness.”
What book is on your nightstand currently? And recent favorite movies, music, or podcasts?
“Right now, the books on my nightstand include Walking Each Other Home by Ram Dass, Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck, Outlive by Peter Attia, Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner, and Untangled by Lisa Damour—which is a permanent fixture. I’ve always been captivated by Buddhist psychology and philosophy, autobiographies, and historical fiction.
I’m obsessed with White Lotus and all things Mike White. I love how he writes characters that feel so real and layered—you think you know them, but they keep surprising you. Musically, I lean toward folksy jams and some hip-hop for running. For podcasts, I rotate between ‘This American Life,’ ‘Serial,’ ‘The Way Out is In, Huberman Lab,’ NPR’s ‘Up First,’ and ‘The Daily.’”
Learn more about why clean water matters. And see what some Burundians have told us about the water systems that benefit their communities. See all the ways you can help us bring more clean water to Burundi and the impact we have made together.