Lisa is the Managing Partner for the Imago Dei Fund based in Boston, MA. Lisa has worked in the social sector for over two decades in a variety of roles. She began her career in education and psychology as a professor at Boston College. Prior to joining the Imago Dei Fund in 2018, Lisa served as the Vice President for Research at The Center for Effective Philanthropy, and the Managing Partner for Portfolio Investments at New Profit, Inc.
In October 2020, Lisa joined Compass’ Board of Directors. We connected recently with Lisa to talk more about her work, what drew her to Compass, and what she is hoping to contribute during her time on the Board.
Compass: How did you first learn about Compass?
Lisa: I first learned about Compass about 10 years ago from a colleague who had met Sherry Riva, the Founder and CEO. My colleague was over the moon with enthusiasm about Sherry and the innovative approach she was building at the intersection of public housing and wealth development. I was intrigued, but honestly didn’t have the capacity at the time to learn more.
Compass: In what ways does the work of Compass intersect and/or resonate with your passions, interests, and/or lived experiences?
Lisa: I am a huge fan of simple elegant solutions to complex nuanced problems. Compass has developed just that. And it is obvious to me (and by now should be to others) that wealth building is critical for creating economic stability and mobility in this country. Add to that taking an intersectional approach to the work such that BIPOC women are put at the center and their humanity is respected and honored through the work – need I say more?
Compass: What drew you to want to join the Board, and what are you hoping to contribute during your time as a Board member?
Lisa: I think it is fair to say that I am a bit of a board nerd – don’t get me started on governance and how important it is for an organization’s health and success! As my board experience has developed over the years, I have gotten clearer about how I can add value to a board and what types of organizations I am most interested in working with. Compass is at an exciting moment in its development – spreading its solution broadly, scaling its operations, and more and more influencing the broader ecosystem it works in. It is also a moment when the organization needs an engaged and strategic board to support it. This is my favorite moment to be a part of a Board – it is exciting, challenging, and rewarding all at once. I hope to bring my years of board experience to Compass as well as my philanthropic experience and network to Compass. I also plan to learn so much through the experience.
Compass: What else do you want people to know about you and Compass?
Lisa: I think we are going to have a lot of fun in the coming years at Compass. I am thrilled and honored to join the board alongside Thea James who is just amazing and look forward to working closely with everyone on the board. Compass is poised to contribute to a fundamental shift in not just how we talk about economic mobility in this country, but what we can do about it if we really want to. Being a part of that kind of shift is truly a treat for me and I deeply appreciate the invitation to join the effort!