Lisa Drake Email & Phone Number

Colorado, United States

As Executive Director, I am responsible for planning and administering programs that provide services to abused and neglected children through the nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center and CASA of Weld County programs. Life Stories is the only agency in Weld County providing these crucial services. Operating under the general direction of the agency's Board of Directors, I oversee all aspects of the organization's operations, managing an annual budget of $1.1 million. This includes strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of board-approved initiatives. I manage the agency's finances, including budgeting, fundraising, and seeking new funding opportunities. My role also encompasses maintaining strong board relations, coordinating public relations efforts, and fostering community partnerships to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. I lead program development and management to ensure efficient and effective service delivery while overseeing all human resources functions to maintain a skilled and dedicated staff.

Johnstown, Colorado, United States

After completing my life/mindset coach certification in 2019, I applied what I learned to my non-profit work and created a mindset and coaching program for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) directors, staff, and volunteers across the United States. The purpose was to ensure 100% of the children in juvenile courts across the country have a mentally and emotionally healthy volunteer as they go through the court and foster care process. I provided training and/or presented at conferences in Arizona, Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey, Missouri, Nebraska, and Louisiana and presented at the 2020 National CASA Conference. Based on my estimation, more than 2000 individuals have actively engaged in my workshops and training sessions.I shifted to burnout and overachieving coaching exclusively in 2022 due to the majority of 1:1 clients coming to me for that reason (including nonprofit directors), and it also is my own personal journey.

Wheaton, Il

Led, managed, and coordinated services for the only agency in DuPage County committed to advocating for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children in juvenile court. Oversaw a staff of 7 who worked with over 150 volunteers to ensure 100% of children in juvenile court had their voices heard. Oversaw all fundraising and budgets for this 90% privately funded agency. Provided information, counsel, and advice to the board of directors regarding policy and programs, and was responsible for board development. Key accomplishments include:★ Increased grant income from $156k to $215k, contributions from $57k to $184k, and the net revenue from special events from $86k to $284k.★ Procured and established a partnership resulting in a $600k gift contribution.★ Restructured and reorganized the agency to meet the demands of an influx of juvenile court cases.★ Succeeded in expanding the program to include services for children with cases in Probate court.

Wheaton, Il

Represented the business community and interfaced with a diverse number of public and private constituencies to build support and coalitions in alignment with the organization’s overall vision and mission. Oversaw the performance and professional growth of staff. Provided information, counsel, and advice to the board of directors regarding policy and programs. Key accomplishments include:★ Collaborated with the Wheaton Park District to spearhead the “Taste of Wheaton”.★ Oversaw the budget, city permit requests, and construction procedures to replace damaged waterlines in the building’s basement.★ Conceptualized, developed, and executed one of the chamber’s major events, “The Best of Wheaton”.★ Worked closely with a wide-range of constituencies to build support and coalitions consistent with Chamber’s overall vision and mission.★ Recruited a record number of members through strategic efforts of fostering community relationships.

Wheaton, Il

Oversaw all aspects of sales and membership services. Responsible for recruiting and retaining members. Maintained and developed relationships with current members and followed up with members regarding membership renewal. Oversaw Chamber committees and was responsible for overall performance. Key accomplishments include:★ Designed and implemented the “7 Touch Program” that was geared towards fostering membership relationships through their first year of membership.★ Increased Chamber membership by 45 businesses over the course of the tenure.★ Acted as the driving force behind Women in Business, a program designed to promote professional growth and development for the Wheaton Chamber Business Women.

Wheaton, Il

Led the creation and operation of a handbag manufacturing company focused on funding educational initiatives for Salvadoran children from conception to actualization. Oversaw design plans for bags and trained seamstresses on assembly. Procured and secured manufacturing facility. Key accomplishment:★ Raised enough money to purchase desks, chairs, white boards, and concrete floors for 3 schools.

Burbank, Il

High school Spanish teacher for all-boys Catholic high school. Taught all grades and all tracks - basic, academic and honors. Moderator for the International and Chess Clubs.