Woman of the Week – Lisa Carlson

Here at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Lisa Carlson

My Current Job/Company:
Director, Early Childhood Nutrition and Education/Children’s Hunger Alliance

My Birthday:
12.15.74

My Work:
I have the privilege of working for an organization that ensures thousands of children in the state of Ohio get regular, nutritious meals and develop lifelong healthy eating habits. We do this through our Early Childhood Nutrition and Education program working with family child care providers, Afterschool program, School and Summer Nutrition program, and through educating children about healthy eating and exercise. I oversee our work with approximately 1,100 family child care providers in Ohio, feeding an average of 14,000 children per month.

My Passion:
My family. Helping others.

My Family:
Married to my wonderful husband Neil for 16 years. We have 3 very smart and beautiful girls, Laini (15), Maya (13), and Lexi (9).

My Hero:
My mother. She survived colon cancer when she was in her early forties. She is a very strong woman.

My Escape:
The beach. Weekends/nights away with my husband.

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people and bullies.

My Indulgence:
Wine. Spa treatments.

My Roots:
Rural Northwest Ohio. Humble. Loving family.

My Future:
Continue to make a difference in the lives of others as a professional, a mom and a wife.

My Favorite Quote:
“Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions speak louder than your words.”

My Accessory:
Sunglasses. Phone. My girls.

My Advice to Young Women:
Be true to yourself. You’re beautiful, strong and worthy. Listen to your mother.

How I Balance it All:
I would like to say prioritization, organization, and planning, however, that would not be truthful. I haven’t figured out how to balance it all yet. I am not certain I ever will or if balance is even realistic in my world. I “balance” because I have a supportive husband and a wonderful family who is always there to help me. I am a work in progress when it comes to figuring out how to make everything fall in to place. Everyday I get a little better at it.