Sue Ellen Cooper Bio

Sue Ellen Cooper is the founder of the Red Hat Society, the world's largest social networking community for women. Begun in 1998, the Red Hat Society has more than 30,000 chapters in all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 25 foreign countries.

This grass roots social phenomenon encourages women to connect socially and emotionally and support each other in the pursuit of vital, active living through middle age and beyond. The sisterhood hosts international and regional conventions and continues to grow and evolve.

Soon after the first small group of Red Hatters began venturing out in public, unsought publicity prompted hundreds, then thousands, of women to ask how they too could play. By the end of 2000, what has been referred to as "the second women's movement" was growing like wildfire. Originally based on the concept of fun and friendship, it continues to be nourished by that same philosophy. The Red Hat Society chooses to emphasize those things that unite women--crossing boundaries of race, religion and even chronological age--in the process.

Prior to founding the Red Hat Society, Sue Ellen devoted much of her adult life to her family, raising two children--son Shane and daughter Andrea-- with her husband, Allen. She enjoyed a part-time career as a commercial greeting card illustrator, and spent six years in a mural-painting business with two other artists.

Sue Ellen graduated from California State University, Fullerton nearly four decades ago with a degree in Humanities and Social Sciences. In 2004 she was honored by her alma mater with the distinguished alumni Visions & Visionaries award for her accomplishments, which have impacted women worldwide. Cooper, one of just a handful of CSUF graduates recognized this year, joins the ranks of some very consummate CEOs, media personalities and authors whose achievements have greatly benefited the community.

Also in 2004, Sue Ellen made the city of Fullerton's 25 Most Influential People List, a select number of top individuals who make dynamic contributions in education, public service, business, entrepreneurship and community service. Her prominent success led to her recognition for entrepreneurship, a distinction earned almost by accident considering the humble beginnings of the Red Hat Society.

Sue Ellen has written two best-selling books, "The Red Hat Society: Friendship and Fun After Fifty" (Warner Books, April 2004) and "The Red Hat Society's Laugh Lines: Stories of Inspiration and Hattitude" (Warner Books, April 2005)." She has also contributed to several other books.

Sue Ellen and her husband, Allen, live in Fullerton, California. They are the proud grandparents of little Hannah and Abby (daughters of Andrea and her husband, Matt).