Women of Influence: Susanna O’Bara

Shaping Young Minds, Shaping Our Future

Susannah O’Bara, Superintendent of Denton Independent School District (DISD), has dedicated her life to education and leadership, shaping the future of countless children in the community. 

A resident of Argyle, Susannah’s journey in education began as an elementary teacher at Ginnings Elementary School in Denton ISD. Fresh out of college, she was excited to work with the children of her community, driven by a deep-seated belief that every child deserves a high-quality education delivered by a caring teacher. This conviction has been the cornerstone of her career.

Throughout her professional journey, Susannah has drawn inspiration from several remarkable women who have influenced her leadership style. Early in her career, she had the privilege of working under Amanda Bean and Mary Helen Martin, two leaders who exemplified the balance between high expectations and accountability, coupled with grace and kindness. These experiences have shaped Susannah’s approach to leadership, demonstrating the importance of strength tempered with humility. Her admiration extends to other women leaders in her field, including colleagues and female superintendents who have shown that it’s possible to lead with confidence while maintaining a sense of grace and integrity.

Susannah’s advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles is clear — remain true to yourself. She encourages embracing femininity and the unique qualities that come with being a woman. According to Susannah, strong leadership does not require sacrificing one’s identity or femininity.

She also believes that women can be both loving mothers and effective leaders, emphasizing that her own children, now young adults, admire her dedication to her career. Her experiences illustrate that personal sacrifice is sometimes necessary,
but the admiration and respect earned from loved ones and colleagues are invaluable.

For Susannah, successful leadership is rooted in authenticity. She believes that the best leaders are those who let their true selves be known to those they serve, fostering trust and connection. Managing stress and maintaining work-life balance is another area where Susannah excels. Her secret lies in loving the work she does and building strong relationships within her team. 

Despite the demanding nature of leading a large organization, Susannah finds fulfillment in her daily responsibilities, supported by a dependable team. She makes time for personal well-being through daily devotionals and exercise, setting the tone for a productive and balanced day.

Raised in a supportive family, Susannah attributes much of her leadership style to the lessons learned from her parents. Her father’s hard work and commitment, combined with her mother’s resilience and persistence, have instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. These early influences have undeniably shaped Susannah into the leader she is today, a beacon of dedication and compassion in Denton County.

Superintendent of Denton Independent School District (DISD), has dedicated her life to education and leadership, shaping the future of countless children in the community. 

A resident of Argyle, Susannah’s journey in education began as an elementary teacher at Ginnings Elementary School in Denton ISD. Fresh out of college, she was excited to work with the children of her community, driven by a deep-seated belief that every child deserves a high-quality education delivered by a caring teacher. This conviction has been the cornerstone of her career.

Throughout her professional journey, Susannah has drawn inspiration from several remarkable women who have influenced her leadership style. Early in her career, she had the privilege of working under Amanda Bean and Mary Helen Martin, two leaders who exemplified the balance between high expectations and accountability, coupled with grace and kindness. These experiences have shaped Susannah’s approach to leadership, demonstrating the importance of strength tempered with humility. Her admiration extends to other women leaders in her field, including colleagues and female superintendents who have shown that it’s possible to lead with confidence while maintaining a sense of grace and integrity.

Susannah’s advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles is clear — remain true to yourself. She encourages embracing femininity and the unique qualities that come with being a woman. According to Susannah, strong leadership does not require sacrificing one’s identity or femininity.

She also believes that women can be both loving mothers and effective leaders, emphasizing that her own children, now young adults, admire her dedication to her career. Her experiences illustrate that personal sacrifice is sometimes necessary, but the admiration and respect earned from loved ones and colleagues are invaluable.

For Susannah, successful leadership is rooted in authenticity. She believes that the best leaders are those who let their true selves be known to those they serve, fostering trust and connection. Managing stress and maintaining work-life balance is another area where Susannah excels. Her secret lies in loving the work she does and building strong relationships within her team. 

Despite the demanding nature of leading a large organization, Susannah finds fulfillment in her daily responsibilities, supported by a dependable team. She makes time for personal well-being through daily devotionals and exercise, setting the tone for a productive and balanced day.

Raised in a supportive family, Susannah attributes much of her leadership style to the lessons learned from her parents. Her father’s hard work and commitment, combined with her mother’s resilience and persistence, have instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. These early influences have undeniably shaped Susannah into the leader she is today, a beacon of dedication and compassion in Denton County.