Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Richmond is a dedicated recovery specialist, advocate, and founder of Identity Me, a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to support women, children, and families overcoming violence, trauma, addiction, and life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, Lisa has devoted her life to helping others find healing, hope, and empowerment through advocacy, education, and compassionate support. She is a certified domestic violence advocate, suicide prevention instructor, human trafficking consultant, Christian Ministries certified professional, and Cancer Ministry certified advocate. Through her work, Lisa educates communities about grief, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces for individuals navigating hardship.
Lisa’s passion for service is deeply rooted in her own journey of perseverance and transformation. After losing her vision in 2011 and later overcoming additional personal challenges, including the loss of her husband and son, she chose to turn adversity into purpose. Guided by her faith and inspired by her daughters, Lisa embraced the mindset of living as a victor rather than a victim. She pursued continued education and professional certifications, earning an associate degree in Christian Ministry Leadership, to strengthen her ability to support others. She is also a co-author of Blooming in the Process, where she shares messages of resilience, faith, and personal growth.
Beyond her professional mission, Lisa is a passionate servant leader who finds joy in giving back to her community. She volunteers by preparing meals and serving at homeless shelters, bringing food to her church, and supporting elders who inspire her through their wisdom and strength. She enjoys walking, exercising, singing, and especially cooking for her family, community, and those in need. Deeply family-oriented, Lisa treasures time spent with her daughters and continues to pursue her vision of establishing a foundation that expands support for women, children, and families worldwide. Through her advocacy, faith, and unwavering commitment to helping others reclaim their strength, Lisa continues to inspire those around her to overcome challenges and create meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, my family, and the resilience I developed through life’s challenges. After losing my sight, my children, especially my daughters, became my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Their encouragement reminded me that I still had a purpose and that I needed to keep moving forward. I carry my daughter’s words, “Mom, if you don’t get up, we’ll have no one to help us,” close to my heart and allow them to guide me every day. Inspired by my mother’s unwavering belief that I could accomplish anything, I chose to embrace life as a victor rather than a victim, turning adversity into strength and purpose.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to use my experiences and challenges as a source of strength to inspire and uplift others. My goal is to establish a foundation dedicated to supporting women, children, and families by expanding outreach and securing resources to provide continued assistance to survivors of domestic violence, suicide, and human trafficking. I am also passionate about becoming an international motivational speaker, empowering women to reclaim their confidence, recognize their worth, and take control of their lives. I believe that by sharing my journey and using my voice, I can create meaningful change and inspire others to overcome adversity.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering any industry is to embrace their authentic selves and recognize the value of their unique perspectives and experiences. Set clear intentions, remain committed to your goals, and believe in your ability to achieve them. Success comes through dedication, perseverance, and continuous self-growth. By developing self-awareness, embracing challenges, and staying true to your values, you can unlock your full potential and create a meaningful path toward becoming the best version of yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I have faced in my field has also become one of my greatest opportunities: transforming personal adversity into a platform for purpose and impact. After losing my vision in 2011 and undergoing a successful cornea transplant, I made the decision to embrace change and use my experience as a testimony of resilience. That moment sparked a powerful question within me: “Why not you?” Guided by my faith and the strength of the Holy Spirit, I invested in myself through education, certifications, and personal growth, allowing my journey through trauma to become a source of inspiration for others. Today, I am committed to creating opportunities for women, children, and families by building a foundation that provides support, hope, and empowerment for those navigating their own challenges.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are kindness, fairness, integrity, honesty, and compassion. I believe in treating every person with respect and without judgment, while making an effort to understand their experiences by putting myself in their shoes. I value self-worth, authenticity, and the importance of strong family connections. I am proud of my journey, appreciate where I come from, and strive to lead with empathy, gratitude, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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