Susan Kostrzewa

Susan Kostrzewa graduated from TCAPS in 1989. After graduation, Susan attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where she received her Bachelor's degree in English.

Susan has been the editor of several print and online magazines in the wine and food business, including a recent role as Editor-in-Chief of Wine Enthusiast Media, based in the NYC area. She has traveled globally as a journalist covering travel and culture topics as well, many focused on wine, spirits, and history. Currently, Susan lives in Connecticut and runs her own content creation and consulting business, working with wine and travel clients worldwide in both a commercial content and editorial capacity.

While attending Traverse City High School, she was a member of the Model UN and the features editor for the high school newspaper. She says her time working on the school newspaper helped develop her management and journalistic skills, and she came out of her TC education very well rounded and comfortable in many disciplines. 

Susan credits Chistine Kurtz, who was the high school newspaper advisor at the time, saying she "not only supported and empowered us, but taught us to always fight for what we know is ethical and right."

Since leaving TCAPS, Susan says she is most proud of supporting women and fostering inclusivity and diversity in her industry via non-profit involvement, as well as in the content and teams she oversaw and directed at the magazines for whom she worked.

When asked what advice she has for students today, Susan said, "Keep an open mind as regards your professional trajectories. Sometimes the detours can make your career."