Author Profile

Susan McDowell

Executive director, LifeWorks

@susanbmcdowell

Susan McDowell is executive director of LifeWorks, an Austin-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping youth and families find their paths to self-sufficiency amidst struggles such as abuse, homelessness and poverty.

Latest Columns

What LifeWorks can say about the UT slaying suspect

I have been asked repeatedly over the past few days "what I can say" about LifeWorks' involvement with Meechiael Criner, the suspect in the death of UT-Austin student Haruka Weiser. If he is found guilty of this terrible crime, we will be left to debate whom is to be held responsible for his fate — himself alone, school bullies, foster care, parents? I hold no hope for an easy answer.