Lisa Thorpe-Vaughn is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, consultant, author, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience in fund development, strategic planning, and community partnerships. As President/CEO of AYA Initiative, she empowers nonprofit leaders through training, capacity building, and sustainable growth strategies that strengthen communities nationwide. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s degree in English focused on Intercultural Rhetoric, Lisa is known for her expertise in grant writing, organizational development, and impactful communication. Throughout her career, she has helped secure millions in funding for programs supporting youth, families, health and human services, and social justice initiatives. Lisa previously served as Executive Director of Amachi Pittsburgh, where her leadership earned national recognition from the White House Office of Faith/Community-Based Initiatives for excellence in “Compassion-in-Action.” She is also the author of The Blackroom Experience: A How-To Guide for Intentionally Building Healthy Relationships and has been honored by several national and local entities, such as; Pittsburgh’s “50 Women of Influence” and by the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh for her work advancing racial justice and creating programs that serve children of incarcerated parents. She is a board member for several national organizations; namely Black Administrators in Child Welfare and the Strategic Planning Council for the Church of God in Christ.