Lisa Braithwaite works with individuals as a public speaking coach, to uncover their challenges and build their strengths in presenting themselves confidently as speakers. She is also a speaker and writer, has been a guest columnist for Santa Barbara’s Woman Magazine and was quoted on public speaking in Men’s Health Magazine.

Before launching her public speaking coaching business in 2005, she worked in the nonprofit sector in Santa Barbara for sixteen years, developing and implementing programs, curricula, and training materials for local organizations.

Her primary focus areas in the field of training and education have involved gender equity, violence prevention, media literacy, adult learning principles, and communication skills development.

In 1995, she created the first full-time teen relationship violence program in Santa Barbara County, for Shelter Services for Women (now Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County). In 1998, she developed the media literacy program for Girls Incorporated of Carpinteria.

In 2000, she joined the fledgling Morgan Foundation and established their domestic and international grant programs to provide computer and Internet access to poor communities and developing countries.

As Training Coordinator for Tri-Counties Regional Center, she built a new employee orientation program, and with a team of consultants and staff, created a comprehensive train-the-trainers program serving employees, vendors, and clients in the developmental disability community.

She is most proud of her accomplishments with Body Electric, a nonprofit she co-founded in 1997. Body Electric’s mission is to promote participation, recognition and celebration of local women and girls in sports and physical activity.

In 2003, Lisa was honored for her work with the Louise Lowry Davis award, given by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table. The Louise Lowry Davis award, named for a local pioneer in women’s sports, is given annually to a person recognized as a player, coach or sponsor who excels in leadership and sportsmanship in the community.

Ms. Braithwaite has a B.A. in Theater from Pomona College and an M.A. in Education from UC Santa Barbara.