Lisa Lis
Interviewed by Faye Wolf
March 5, 2018
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Lisa Lis
Video 00:36:00
Lisa Lis
Audio 00:36:00
Abstract
In this oral history interview, Lisa Lis briefly talks about her childhood. Her mother sent her to Hillel Day School. This is what started her love for Israel and got her interested in Judaism.
Her family was not involved in Federation as she was growing up, but she got involved after she was married. She talks about how after she had her children she became involved with Women’s Philanthropy. She mentions the leaders in the group at the time and the programs on which she worked. She speaks about the challenge in engaging young women and trying to bring inclusivity into Federation. She also talks about her time as president of Women’s Philanthropy.
Lis talks about the staff at Federation she has worked with over the years. She describes the difference in the way men and women solicit, and the relationship Women’s Philanthropy has with the general Federation. From here, she speaks about the changes made in Women’s Philanthropy and the importance of women having their own department.
Lis discusses what the Jewish Women’s Foundation is and talks about her roles in the organization. She talks about the grant-writing process and why it’s important to have a fund just for women.
History of Narrator
Lisa Lis was born in Detroit, Michigan. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she majored in Psychology. During college she went on a life-changing trip to Israel. She met her husband, Hannan Lis and after marrying they became part of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit’s Young Adult Division. After she had her four children, Lis became involved in Federation’s Women’s Division. She served as president of Women’s Division, as well as chair of the Jewish Women’s Foundation.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Lisa Lis Oral History Interview, March 5, 2018.