CHAPARRAL

"GOOD TO BE HOME"

by Phil Kazanjian,  Business Division

     Recently, I had the opportunity to interview for the Chaparral our new Executive Director of the Glendale College Foundation, Lisa Brooks.

     Lisa has a very interesting background.  She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but raised in Sydney, Australia, where she got her BA in Sociology at the University of New South Wales.  She lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a while before traveling around Europe.  Eventually, she ended up in London, where she worked with the parents of children with severe disabilities and other disadvantaged communities.  During that period, she also earned her Masters Degree in Social Work and Administration from the London School of Economics.

     Although Lisa was raised and schooled outside the United States, she says "it's good to be home."  She returned to the United States after falling in love with the multiculturalism of Los Angeles, its warm climate and the endless optimism of the people.  She moved to the Glendale area with her husband, a computer network provider, because of the beautiful mountains and the small town atmosphere.

Raising millions is her forte

     As some of you can relate to, until recently, Lisa was a frequent freeway driver.  While Lisa has lived in the area these past twenty-five years, the last sixteen have been spent commuting to work at Jewish Family Service, a large non-profit social service agency, located in the Mid-Wilshire corridor in Los Angeles, where she served as the organization's fund-raising and communications strategist.  Under her leadership, and in conjunction with the board and staff, Jewish Family Service raised $27 million from grants, foundation support, individual donors and special events.

     Lisa has long admired Glendale Community College and is in the process of getting to know the Foundation Board of Directors, as well as the faculty and staff.  She says, “This is an exciting time to be involved with the Foundation.  It has a strong history and a track record of raising funds.  Today, there are so many needs.  The transformative power of this college makes it a win-win for donor dollars.  A thousand dollars here can change not only an individual’s life but an entire family’s trajectory.  What four-year college can you say that about?

     "I am fortunate to have inherited a strong and committed College Foundation Board.  One of my goals is to help us build even greater capacity to raise funds.  I am also excited about the opportunities to interface with the college staff, and the local community chamber, and other boards and organizations that benefit our students and programs. I have loved the Glendale community for so long, so this is a dream come true. . .”

“Think positive”

     I did bring up the difficult and challenging economy we find ourselves in, but Lisa’s unhesitating response was “think positive.”  “We will work together as a team—faculty, staff, and board.  While the next few years may bring its challenges, it will also bring great opportunities for this college, which has such a rich and deep history.  I am honored to be a part of this effort.”  

     I must admit, I was very impressed by her positive attitude, commitment and willingness to lead at a time of financial challenge to the college and our community.

     She ended our conversation by asking me to let everyone know her door is open at the Foundation office, and she welcomes everyone to come by and meet her.  She is also going around the campus now and meeting everyone she can.

     I came away from the interview with the thought we may just have the right person as the Executive Director of the Glendale College Foundation at this very challenging time. &