In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, Besa Gordon is spotlighting Lisa Gardner, a remarkable leader making a significant impact in Spokane, Washington. Lisa, a Spokane native, was deeply influenced by her grandmother, Sarah Queen Gardner, an activist, entrepreneur, and former Spokane City Council candidate. To honor Sarah's legacy, Lisa pursued higher education, earning her Bachelor's in Communications from Eastern Washington University and later a Master's in Public Relations from the University of Maryland. Upon returning to Spokane, she served as Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Spokane City Council, the very council her grandmother once aspired to serve.

Now, as President of the Spokane NAACP branch, Lisa continues her family's legacy of advocacy and leadership. She's also actively involved with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Links, Inc., Ronald McDonald's House Charities, Take Up the Cause, and Take All Foundation, all while passionately serving her home neighborhood of East Central Spokane. Lisa emphasizes the community's resilience, stating, "We might be down, but we're not out," and is deeply involved in its revitalization, working to ensure East Central gets the homes, economic development, and strength it needs.

Lisa Gardner's journey is a true full-circle moment, continuing her grandmother's work while shaping Spokane's future in her own way. She is a woman dedicated to uplifting her city and her home neighborhood. Her leadership and advocacy are inspiring, and she's committed to ensuring the next generation has the tools to succeed. Lisa embodies what it means to step into your purpose and continue a legacy. #WomensHistoryMonth #CommunityLeadership #Spokane #NAACP #Empowerment #Legacy #EastCentralSpokane #Back2Besa