Meet Lisa
Lisa began her career as an educator in a new middle school in Queens- and teaching middle school history is an experience that greatly influenced her approach to life and work. Humor, balancing consistency and flexibility, and thinking of initiatives like unit plans are all things she learned in Queens with the most amazing groups of 13- and 14-year-olds.
She founded the first Democracy Prep High school in the fall of 2009. As principal, she led the development of a robust and rigorous academic program that equipped scholars to excel on state tests; Regents pass rates were routinely over 90%. As an Assistant Superintendent, she launched the second high school in 2013. But her real passion was in talent.
She developed the internal leadership training program now known as Leader U, a rigorous program for emerging principals to lead rigorous, inclusive schools aimed at closing the opportunity gap. Under her leadership, applications for leadership roles increased by over 100%, a rigorous equitable hiring system was put in place, and a robust leadership curriculum was developed. In 2018, Lisa became Chief People Officer, leading both Talent Development and Recruitment. In 2020, she assumed leadership of the Human Resources team.
Under her leadership, she developed key aspects to the current Democracy Prep talent function. er accomplishments include:
Developed and executed several programs geared at mid-level managers to ensure high-performing teams and strong succession planning;
Launched the Teacher Residency program to build a stronger and more diverse internal pipeline;
Created the first CMO evaluations system and redesigned the teacher evaluation to align to DP’s commitment to rigor, responsive classrooms, community engagement and antiracism;
Developing a talent infrastructure for building strong and equitable job descriptions and interview practices.
During the pandemic, she also led her teams to reimagine virtual hiring and worked creatively to ensure HR policies related to COVID were humane, equitable, and mission aligned.
She is a proud graduate of Amherst College, where she earned her BA in American Studies and Economics. She also holds an M.Ed in Social Studies Education from Queens College, and an M. Ed in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a SHRM-SCP designation, and is a Certified Co-Active Coach. She also holds a health coaching certification through the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. An active member of her community, she sits on the boards of The Inspired Community Project and Nerdy Girl Success. She also also served on a number of boards, as well as serving as founding Board Chair of Forte Prep., supporting its growth and fundraising efforts. She is also a self-designated nerd, certified Mat Pilates instructor and proud Auntie to Nate and Frankie,