Lisette Parsons
Lisette (Umpierre) Parsons is a passionate nonprofit leader and advocate for women’s empowerment, currently serving as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Tampa Bay. In this role, she oversees programs designed to help women achieve economic independence through job readiness training, professional styling, financial literacy, and mental health awareness initiatives. Her leadership emphasizes putting people over profit, creating practical pathways for women—especially those emerging from shelters or incarceration—to rebuild confidence, enter the workforce, and thrive personally and professionally.
Before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, Lisette spent over a decade in Corporate America, including serving as Senior Vice President at a national outsourcing company, where she became the first Latina vice president in the organization’s history. Her corporate career honed her expertise in operations, vendor relations, and strategic management, skills she now applies to drive impact and innovation in the nonprofit space. Her personal journey as a domestic violence survivor with three sons profoundly informs her work, inspiring her to help women reclaim their agency and build sustainable futures.
Lisette’s dedication extends beyond her professional roles. She is deeply involved in community leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, chairing initiatives like the Dress for Success Tampa Bay Power Walk and developing programs such as Moving Forward and AI Lunch & Learn to equip women with critical tools for success. Recognized as one of Tampa, Florida’s Influential Women in 2026, she continues to break barriers, empower women, and champion a holistic approach to economic independence and personal growth.
• First Latina Vice President at previous organization
• Moving Forward program
• Financial literacy workshops
• Mental health awareness programs
• AI skills training
• Dress for Success of Tampa Bay
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my journey as a domestic violence survivor, which taught me resilience and shaped my mission to empower others. Thirty years ago, my three sons and I had to relocate for our safety, and that experience fuels my work helping women emerging from shelters or incarceration see that their past does not define their future. Volunteering with Dress for Success inspired me to leave Corporate America and dedicate myself to nonprofit work, and becoming the first Latina Vice President at my previous organization was a milestone I’m proud of. Now, leading Dress for Success Tampa Bay, I honor my predecessor’s legacy while helping women discover their inner strength and chart their own path.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that determination and resilience can carry you through any challenge. As a single parent in a difficult situation, I made the tough decision to move my three sons to a safer environment so we could all have a chance at a brighter future. Watching them grow into successful men in their 40s, with families and beautiful children of their own, fills me with immense pride and gratitude. That experience taught me the importance of making difficult choices for the greater good and showed me that with determination, you can overcome any obstacle. My hope is to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren that demonstrates that no matter what life throws at you, if you are determined to succeed, you absolutely can.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to pour into yourself first. Self-care is essential—you can’t truly help others if you’re running on empty. In a career centered on giving, it’s easy to spread yourself too thin, so it’s important to stay in touch with your mental and emotional needs. I make it a priority to recharge through quiet moments outdoors, whether at the beach, reading, or simply reflecting, so I can bring my best self to every speaking engagement, outreach, and opportunity to support others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is addressing the stigma around mental health, as well as helping people overcome financial insecurity and fear. We’re also navigating the increasing role of AI in hiring, which can feel daunting for many job seekers. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to innovate—offering AI-focused training for job applications, running financial literacy cohorts in partnership with banks, and strengthening community partnerships to expand access to services and support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are balance, reflection, and self-care. I spend much of my time giving to others—through speaking engagements, programs, and community outreach—so I deeply cherish moments to recharge and pour into myself. Whether it’s spending time at the beach, reading, reflecting, or simply enjoying nature, these quiet moments allow me to replenish my energy and bring my best self forward to support and uplift others.