Stars in our Constellation: Susanna Fránek
Susanna joins Luminous as a Consultant.
Susanna is an applied anthropologist, ethnographer, and cross-cultural qualitative researcher, fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She favors interdisciplinary approaches to research, combining consumer and socially-driven methodologies. With 25 years of experience, she has conducted studies among Latino, African American, South Asian, Middle Eastern, LGBTQIA+, and general market communities within the U.S. Much of her work has focused on immigrant communities, cross-border studies, acculturation, and intergenerational dynamics.
Her approach integrates grassroots, participatory, and anti-oppressive research techniques whenever applicable. Susanna is deeply committed to advancing narratives on race, gender, and immigration rights to ensure that historically silenced voices are heard, honored, valued, and welcomed. Her interviewing style is personal, intuitive, and collaborative, allowing her to uncover the deeper meanings of her study topics.
Susanna's academic work includes a master’s degree in cultural anthropology and a second interdisciplinary master’s degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Latin American Studies, and Art.
Q&A with Susanna Fránek
Q. What experience/ expertise do you bring to Luminous?
A. I bring a pluralistic and intersectional lens, having conducted multiple studies on healthcare in collaboration with federal, state, and local public health agencies, insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies.
Throughout 2019, my work focused on researching and finding solutions to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic on communities of color. During much of the pandemic, I was part of a team conducting multiple studies for the CDCF and state and local public health agencies on COVID-19, the vaccine, and COVID workplace protections as it affected frontline and multicultural communities. In combination, I have spoken to multiple stakeholder experts at non-profit CBOs.
Additionally, my background in qualitative research aligns well with the semiotic initiatives at Luminous, enhancing deliverables to Luminous’ clients.
Q. What motivates you about Luminous and its mission?
We share the same vision. I’m equally passionate and in sync with Luminous’ commitment to health equity and their work advancing access and improved outcomes for patients, industry, and the world. I admire Noël's leadership and how she genuinely prioritizes inclusivity and progressive ideas, i.e., providing healthcare strategies based on thorough semiotic and biosemiotic undertakings that align with her client’s corporate objectives; she’s truly a visionary in this industry. For me, working with the Luminous team is a source of great privilege and pride. Their dedication to revolutionizing healthcare prioritizes clinical excellence and human-centered care, marking a significant step towards transformative reform.
“Studies have shown that eliminating health equity barriers enhances outcomes and well-being for all and will lower healthcare costs. Yet this will require deliberate action from industry leaders to rebuild trust, forge partnerships, measure progress, and address systemic inequities.”
—Susanna Fránek
Q. What types of projects motivate you and why?
Beyond consumer product brand studies, I value socially impactful work that can change policy to support patient advocacy and equitable healthcare access. Through the RAND Corporation, I was involved in a longitudinal study on the homeless with folks transitioning off the streets. Over a year, this study profoundly transformed me, instilling a deep commitment to championing universal justice and humanism as guiding principles in my sphere of influence. I also conducted multiple ethnographic studies on caregivers, specifically in the Latino community, that informed policymakers on Latino caregivers’ contributions to family, the community, and the broader nation.
Q. What are the big challenges/opportunities you’re seeing related to patients, life sciences, and impact?
Racial capitalism worsens healthcare disparities for marginalized communities, limiting their access to resources and compassionate care. This includes issues like diversity gaps in trials, provider bias, scarce healthcare services in underserved areas, language barriers, and the financial burdens of advocacy and healthcare costs. There’s a great opportunity to train the next generation of healthcare professionals in cultural humility, a concept that emphasizes self-reflection, openness, and willingness to engage with others in a respectful and humble manner.
Q. What is a quote or mantra that guides your work/purpose?
"Music is a fundamental way of expressing our humanity, and it is often our best medicine."
- Oliver Sacks
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. I love to paint. Painting from the heart and being in touch with my emotions is a fascinating and debilitating roller coaster ride. Here are the results: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_2zWBleYaI
About Luminous
Luminous is a consultancy that partners with global life sciences organizations, meaningfully connecting lab and life to achieve better outcomes for patients, business, and society. Founded in 2005, we empower our clients with deep and revealing insights that can be leveraged across the development pathway through to commercialization. Our work drives healthcare solutions that are truly patient-centric.
