Paying it forward: How Lisa Altman Draws on Her Own Experiences to Advise Local Nonprofits
When asked about a “most memorable moment” from her extensive body of volunteer work, Lisa Altman–Principal Consultant at LAStrategic–admits that she doesn’t have just one…
“It wasn’t a specific moment, but something I started to notice over time across the organizations I’ve been privileged to support. At some point, the conversation shifts. It moves from energy and ideas to questions like, “How do we actually build something sustainable?”
As a Jericho Road volunteer, she’s partnered with organizations at critical milestones of growth, helping to strengthen the structures needed to support their mission over time.
So when the founding executive director of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy began considering a transition, Lisa stepped in to lead their succession planning. “I conducted an organizational assessment across staff, leadership, and board, and worked with leadership to translate those insights into a practical framework for both emergency and long-term succession.”
Lisa also served as a mentor to the founder of Empower U as the organization transitioned from fiscal sponsorship to becoming an independent 501(c)(3). “In that role, I worked alongside him to build a forward-looking organizational framework by envisioning the future state and working backward to define priorities.”
Across both engagements, Lisa utilized her experience in nonprofit leadership and organizational development to help organizations move “from strong mission and momentum to more durable, well-aligned institutions.”
One thing Lisa says she didn’t expect was how much her own thinking would evolve. “I went into this work focused on building capacity, but over time I began to see patterns across organizations that shifted my perspective toward design. It changed how I listen, the questions I ask, and how I think about what organizations need not just to grow, but to sustain that growth over time.”
As to why she volunteers her time and talent rather than writing a donation check, Lisa recalled the support she received when founding her first nonprofit.
“I had people in my corner who shared their time, experience and perspective in ways that shaped both the organization and my own leadership. That kind of support stays with you.Volunteering my professional skills is my way of paying that forward.
For early-stage organizations, the right conversation at the right time can change how something is built, and whether it lasts.”
Learn more about Jericho Road’s skills-based volunteer opportunities
Thanks to our volunteer, Lee Houck, for writing the JRP Volunteer Spotlights!