Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Colby.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Greenville 21 years ago and began my nonprofit career as a children’s advocacy specialist at Prisma Health (formerly Greenville Health System). After that, I spent eight years in program development, grant allocation, and management at United Way of Greenville County. My first executive director role was at American Red Cross, Upstate Chapter. I’m so excited to be leading the Cancer Society of Greenville County, where I’ve been for one year.
Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were some bumps and struggles along the way! I’d be shocked if there hadn’t been. While I’ve learned a valuable skill set in every role I’ve had, it took a while to find the perfect fit. For example, I honed my fundraising expertise at Red Cross, but I needed to be more comfortable as a media spokesperson, which was a major part of what I did. I also found being a part of a large, national organization with non-local, centralized resources challenging. But I’ve been fortunate in that most of my roles have allowed me to maintain a healthy work-life harmony, which is important to me because I love spending time with my family.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Cancer Society of Greenville County’s mission is to connect people to free, integrative services that can meet their emotional needs, relieve financial burdens, and equip them for the most successful journey through cancer. What sets us apart is that we are not affiliated with any specific health system or national cancer support organizations. We are a local organization that strives to provide dignity through equal access to care and community for the most vulnerable. Our services include financial assistance for treatment-related expenses, nutritional supplements and medical equipment, and support groups for people with cancer or their caregivers. We receive no state or federal funding but rely on our generous supporters to raise the funding for our operations. I am proud of our small but mighty team, which creates an environment where everyone can experience life-changing support and belonging.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
I am my best networking self when a friend or colleague comes along as a “wingman.” Bringing someone you trust to a networking or social event allows you to feel more comfortable introducing yourself to strangers and gets you over any jitters you might feel about walking into a room full of strangers. Also, maintaining an attitude of intense curiosity about other people – what makes them tick, where they come from, and how they got there – are all ways to make networking more fun and satisfying.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cancersocietygc.org
- Instagram: @cancersocietygc
- Facebook: @cancersocietygc
