Lisa Gifford

I attribute my success to following my passion fearlessly and remaining deeply committed to the transformative power of the arts. My parents always told me to keep doing what makes me happy, and that philosophy has shaped the direction of my life and career. I started in theater at just 12 years old, and over the past 20 years, I've built an inspiring career in performance art, lighting design, and education by combining creativity with purpose and human connection. My path into lighting design began when a professor recognized my natural talent for color theory and artistic vision, encouraging me to pursue a field where I would later earn national recognition for my work. Throughout my career, I've successfully balanced leadership in education with my dedication to the performing arts, serving as a school superintendent during COVID while also mentoring future artists as an adjunct professor. One of my proudest accomplishments was revitalizing art programs during a time when many students were struggling emotionally, socially, and academically. I witnessed firsthand how creative expression helped students reconnect with themselves, improve attendance, and become more engaged in learning. I realized we didn't necessarily need a huge social and emotional support curriculum - we needed to feed our art and music programs, because that is where students are going to find the connection to themselves and what makes them happy. I believe art is far more than entertainment. It's a powerful tool for healing, emotional development, and building meaningful human connection. My success also comes from my commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating safe spaces where students and artists feel valued, empowered, and seen for who they truly are. By blending technical expertise with empathy, creativity, and purpose, I've built a career that not only inspires artistic excellence but also transforms lives through education and human connection.

Growing up, I watched my mother dedicate 35 years to teaching middle school art. Through her example, I learned that passion, creativity, and service to others are not just career choices—they are pathways to a meaningful life. When I was uncertain about my future, my parents never told me what I should become. Instead, they encouraged me to follow the work that inspired me and brought me purpose.

That advice became the foundation of my professional journey. It led me to the theater, where I discovered a love for storytelling and lighting design. It guided me into education, where I had the opportunity to revitalize arts programs and champion creative opportunities for students as a superintendent. Today, it continues to drive my work as an educator, mentor, artist, and advocate for the transformative power of the arts.

Looking back, I realize that the greatest gift my parents gave me was the confidence to pursue work that aligns with my values and passions. By following what brings me joy, I have built a career centered on creativity, leadership, learning, and service—and I remain committed to helping others discover and pursue their own paths with the same sense of purpose.

My advice to young women entering any challenging field is simple: trust your abilities, own your voice, and never let someone else define your potential. While there may be moments when you're the only woman in the room, the real challenge isn't earning a seat at the table—it's believing that you belong there long before anyone else acknowledges it.

Throughout my career, I've learned that success is built on resilience, persistence, and a willingness to step into opportunities that others may overlook. I found lighting design almost by accident. As a theatre student, there were often more women interested in performing than there were roles available. When the opportunity arose to work behind the scenes, I said yes. I learned the craft, developed my skills, and ultimately earned national recognition for my work. What began as an unexpected detour became one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey.

That lesson carried into my career in educational leadership. There were times when I was handed difficult challenges that others had avoided, including leadership roles where success seemed uncertain and the odds were stacked against me. Some might call that being pushed toward a glass cliff. I chose to see it differently. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead through complexity. Not every mountain was the one I expected to climb, but each one strengthened my confidence and expanded my perspective.

What I've discovered is that setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected turns do not define your story. They simply reveal the next mountain waiting to be climbed. The key is to keep moving forward, continue learning, and trust that your skills, character, and determination will carry you farther than stereotypes or circumstances ever could.

Believe in your value before anyone else does. Show up prepared. Lead with excellence. Stay curious. And when one path closes, don't assume the journey is over—sometimes it's simply pointing you toward a new summit.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring that arts education continues to be valued and prioritized as an essential part of student development rather than viewed as secondary to academics. When I stepped into the superintendency role, the district had removed their art programs completely because they didn't have staffing for it and they didn't know how to make it work. That's a challenge I see across many districts - art programs being cut or deprioritized. At the same time, I see a tremendous opportunity to use art, performance, and creative expression as powerful tools for emotional healing, connection, and social-emotional growth, especially for students navigating stress, anxiety, and disconnection. I realized the massive need for social and emotional support, and I started saying we don't necessarily need a huge social and emotional support curriculum - we need to feed our art and music programs, because that is where students are going to find the connection to themselves and what makes them happy. I witnessed how it helped a lot of students who seemed to be struggling to find themselves, find a place to connect and grow. It helped students want to actually continue to come to school and reduce truancy issues. I believe the future of education is strongest when creativity, equity, and human connection are woven into learning environments where every student feels inspired, empowered, and seen.

At the heart of everything I do are the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, empathy, and compassion. I believe every person deserves to feel seen, heard, valued, and empowered. These principles aren't just part of my professional philosophy—they guide how I approach every aspect of my life.

When it comes to young people, I believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are, embrace their unique gifts, and find a place where they belong. That is one of the reasons I am so passionate about the arts and theater. The theater has a remarkable ability to bring people together, celebrate differences, and create a community where individuals feel accepted, supported, and understood.

My commitment to equity and inclusion is deeply personal. Growing up, I watched my mother navigate the challenges of severe arthritis with strength, resilience, and grace. Her experience taught me the importance of compassion and the responsibility we all have to create spaces where people are valued for who they are, not defined by the obstacles they face. Years later, those lessons took on even greater meaning when my daughter was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of nine. Watching her face challenges with courage and determination reinforced my belief that every person deserves understanding, support, and the opportunity to thrive. These experiences have shaped both my personal values and my professional commitment to building communities where people feel seen, included, and empowered.

At the center of my life is my family—my husband and our three children. They are my greatest source of joy, perspective, and strength. No matter how challenging life becomes, home is where I reconnect with what matters most. Sometimes restoration is found in the simplest moments: being with family, taking a deep breath, getting some rest, and reminding yourself that tomorrow is a new day filled with new possibilities.

I believe art is far more than entertainment. It is a powerful vehicle for healing, social-emotional growth, self-discovery, and human connection. My philosophy is rooted in creating learning environments where creativity and academics work hand in hand, allowing students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and artistically while feeling genuinely supported and included. When people feel safe to be themselves, they are able to learn, create, and thrive—and helping to create those spaces is the most meaningful work I can imagine.