Her Story
About Lesa
Lesa Phillips brings over 37 years of experience in education, having worked across elementary schools, district offices, private institutions, and both public and university settings. Her journey began with a part-time college work-study position at an elementary school, which sparked a lifelong career dedicated to supporting students. She attended the University of Florida and gained valuable professional development while working at NOVA Southeastern University under a supportive vice president who encouraged her growth. Lesa is particularly proud of her long-term mentoring efforts, including 15 to 20 years with Take Stock in Children, earning her a mentoring award, and her recognition as an Emerging Leader by the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. She attributes her success to her faith and emphasizes empathy and integrity in all her endeavors, finding great fulfillment in guiding students toward their goals and witnessing their achievements.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lesa
01What do you attribute your success to?
Honestly, prayer and my relationship with God. There is no way that I could be here without my strong foundation in God. God and my faith in God has been my absolute strength, is the reason why I'm actually even here to speak with you today. Faith in God and a higher power when you're going through things is not always about you but about the work that He wants to do through you.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If this is pertaining to work, do something that you absolutely love, because when you are doing what you love, it's not even work. If you are shooting for the stars, go past the stars. Striving and thriving and going for what it is that you want, there's always an opportunity. If you miss one opportunity, there's always another one that's coming. Whatever you do, don't give up. Be persistent in pursuing your goals. Focus on doing something that you love and enjoy, because then it will be less work, and it'll be more of doing what you were created to be.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Not enough hours in the day. There is so much need right now for work in the community and needs that the community has. Sometimes I feel like there's not enough hours in the day because I have to make sure that I keep a balance between work and volunteering because of all these autoimmune issues that I'm dealing with right now, so I do try to be active and participate and give back to the community. It's a challenge between health and time.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think empathy is extremely important to me. Making sure that I am empathetic, and conscientious of the needs of others. It's so important. I really do try to be empathetic, I try to be really understanding, and I really do try to be a woman of integrity, whether in public, in private, whatever the case may be. That's really, really important to me.
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