Meet Lisa Engberg | Executive Director – Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, Inc.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Engberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Everyone has a different opinion on what helped them succeed, reading more, risk taking, etc. For me, it’s my list! At the end of every week, I take a look at my calendar and then make a list of the top things that MUST be done every day the following week. That way when I come into work, I tackle those first thing, usually before the workday has started. This way, I ensure I stay on top of things and then have time to tackle the unexpected as the day goes on.

I also allow myself grace. Some days I might not finish the list, but I can rearrange to make sure I accomplish things in a timely manner and still meet deadlines, appointments, etc. For me there is something very satisfying about scratching off the tasks completed each day and knowing I have completed those things most important to my family, job, and life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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 7, but we absolutely could not feed 44,000 people a year without them. 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.

Finally, faith plays a huge role in both my success and the success of this ministry. I have held leadership jobs in consumer products companies, churches, and now the Co-Op. Each time I felt a pull to move onto my next position. I felt God prepared me with business, marketing, management, and budgeting skills when I first got out of college. He then led me to be home for a while with my family in my most important job – Mom and Wife. Then he led me to utilize my professional skills at a church that enabled me to put my kids on the bus and then greet them when they got off. Finally, he led me to my current position right as I became an empty nester. It has been the perfect blend of all the opportunities he has put in my life. I feel so blessed because it is not only a job but a passion that I hope to be a part of for a while.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love how the suburbs of Atlanta have invested in their local cities! My own city, Lawrenceville, has done an amazing job turning downtown into a place with something for everyone. Anniversary night – hit Perrys Chophouse and a show at the award-winning Aurora theatre. Girls’ night – enjoy dinner at McCray’s and a drink at Cosmos Social or Vintages Tasting Room. Guys’ night – dinner at Univeral Joint followed by a trip to Slow Pour Brewery. Family night – grab Mexican food at Las Cazuela, Strange Taco, or La Hacienda and a catch a concert or movie on the Lawrenceville Lawn that our amazing city sponsors. You can grab coffee at Boulder Creek and take your dog to the new dog park! So many amazing things to do, eat (I could name 15 more restaurants), and see!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two amazing men in my life who helped me become the leader I am today. The first is my dad, Ed Tomlinson. He was a girl dad with 2 girls, so he spent his life making sure my sister and I knew our value, even in a time when women were not necessarily given the same opportunities as they have today. He never forced or pressured us; he would just listen and remind us of who we are and what we had to offer. His quiet guidance is still something I value today. I am so grateful to him and my kindhearted, gracious Mom who are always there for us.

The second is my husband, Jeff. As my high school sweetheart and husband of 31+ years, he has seen me through just about everything. We have had our share of ups and downs like any couple has, but I can always count on him to believe in me and let me chase my dreams and aspirations. We made it a priority to not put our kids in day care when they were little, so we would work together to make sure someone was home with them when they were not in school. He worked 2 jobs for many years to make sure we could pay bills and prioritize family. This sharing of responsibility is something that I am so grateful for and pray my girls will have the same supportive relationship in the future.

Website: https://www.lawrencevilleco-op.org

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