Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Engberg.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Unlike most Atlantans, I have been an Atlanta resident for 90% of my life with the vast majority of it spent in Lawrenceville, GA. I started my career in Consumer Products working in sales and marketing. I quickly advanced in my career and would jump on a plane every Monday morning only to return back home Friday. As my husband and I started talking about our future, it became clear that this career path wouldn’t be ideal with kids.
My amazing husband worked two jobs for several years so that I could stay home with our two wonderful daughters. But like all one income families, money was tight, and I was searching to find my role between being a mother and working. I missed the fast pace and challenges of work, but I was not prepared to be absent from most of my kids’ daily life. So, I began searching for the best of both worlds!
I found that perfect match in the non-profit world. I was able to use my corporate experience to turn a non-profit preschool from being in the red to being back on track within a year, and doubled its size within five years. All while my kids were in a classroom down the hall. For 18 years, I poured into this ministry and my family knowing I had found my perfect balance as a working mother.
Then I hit a hiccup- my kids were off to college and empty nesting set in. My current job required me to work not only during the week, but on Sundays as well. This made traveling to see them a challenge. Then, Covid hit and everyone’s world was turned upside down. I was trying to find that peace I had felt before, but it was difficult. My faith has always been a huge part of my life- leading me through the ups and downs. After much prayer on what was next for me, God called me to another non-profit – the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry. This emergency food bank was the perfect job for me allowing me to continue to help others, while being able to have my weekends free to travel and see my girls.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Bruce Lee said, “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” We all encounter ups and downs, but how you respond to them is what leads to growth. I tend to be a “fixer” so my go to is to quickly solve the problem. I have learned this might not be always the best idea. Sometimes the issue needs time to be solved. Sometimes the person involved doesn’t want it solved, and sometimes it is not my issue to solve. This is where my prayer life comes in. I pray for wisdom and discernment to get through whatever obstacle may be in the way. I am still not perfect at it but as I get older, I am growing in patience and trust.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the Executive Director of the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc. (the emergency food bank for Lawrenceville and Dacula, GA), you can find yourself in a constantly changing job requiring many different skills! As a non-profit, the vast majority of our work is done by volunteers. We have an amazing staff of seven, but we absolutely could not feed 55,000 people a year without their help. Every one of them has a unique story and work style. It is important to listen to these stories so that everyone can work together to get the job done.
Our ministry is limited to specific zip codes, so engaging our community is critical. Bringing awareness of our programs, clients, and needs helps us keep the hungry in our area fed. This means being present at churches, civic organizations, schools, businesses, and community events whenever possible. Thankfully our cities are huge supporters of what we do and extend opportunities for us to be a part.
The biggest lesson I have learned in this position is that everything is not black and white. While it is important to set policies and guidelines, you also have to see the grey and be flexible in what is best for your staff, clients, donors, and volunteers. While that can be a challenge when working with so many, it is necessary to really bring change and be a success in what you do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success in our society takes on many forms. It is usually measured at work by salary or your job title. It can be measured by trophies and accolades in sports or other activities. It can be measured in driving the right car, living in the right zip code, or even in the successes of your family or kids. To me success is seen when the underdog comes out on top. When the thing that seemed impossible is made possible. When years of hard work, overcoming obstacles results in your dream being accomplished. But most importantly- when you failed, but got back up and tried again!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lawrencevilleco-op.org
- Instagram: Lawrenceville Co-op Ministry
- Facebook: The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.
- LinkedIn: Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministries
