Born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio, off 35 and Division, Lisa Coleman now resides in Leon Valley. Her journey from sales professional to nonprofit founder
reflects a deep commitment to her community and the empowerment of young Latinas.
Lisa built a successful career in sales, but her heart was always drawn to community and nonprofit work. She volunteered with special needs students at Harlandale ISD and led the annual United Way campaign at UPS. Her dedication led her into the nonprofit sector, where she served as Director of New Business Development at United Way for Greater Austin and contributed to various other organizations. In 2021, Lisa took a bold step and founded her own nonprofit, culminating in the launch of Soy Latina in 2023.
Her journey began with a dream and a prayer, a desire to give back to her community, create something her younger self needed, and ensure that young Latinas didn’t face the same challenges she once did. But Lisa emphasizes that dreams alone aren’t enough. Careful planning, research, perseverance, and surrounding herself with like-minded supporters allowed her vision to take shape. She credits mentorship, guidance, and a commitment to learning, like taking classes on the latest AI marketing tools, for her continued growth.
Lisa has faced her share of struggles, particularly balancing time and responsibilities. When you’re doing it all, things can get hectic, and sometimes things fall through the cracks. And that’s okay. She’s learned to embrace imperfections, not take setbacks personally, and trust that challenges occur for a reason. These experiences, she says, have strengthened her leadership and perspective.
Among the highlights of her journey are the relationships she has built. Meeting mentors, leaders, and community members who share her passion has been transformative. Each connection has reminded her that she is not alone in this and that many others want to see young people thrive.
Lisa’s greatest pride comes from Soy Latina. Unlike typical programs, Soy Latina becomes an integral part of participants’ lives, taking the time to get to know the girls and their families personally and responding immediately to their challenges. Lisa describes the organization’s impact as everlasting, creating real opportunities and support networks for young Latinas and their families.
Passionate about her community and the people within it, Lisa wants readers to know that her personal experiences fuel her mission. Challenges don’t have to define you; they can fuel you, she emphasizes. Her focus is on equipping the next generation with the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.
For those interested in supporting or collaborating with Soy Latina, Lisa encourages reaching out via email at SoyLatinaTX@gmail.com, following the organization on social media, or contributing through donations or sponsorships.
A surprising fact about Lisa is that she is a boy mom who has never had firsthand experience with girls, except now through her Soy Latina hermanitas, and she is also a proud grandmother to an 18-year-old grandson.
Her advice to all is simple: move with intention. By focusing your energy on purposeful actions, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, and taking deliberate steps toward your goals, you can achieve a meaningful impact both personally and professionally.
Lisa Coleman’s story is a testament to dedication, intentionality, and the power of giving back. Through Soy Latina, she is shaping the future for young Latinas, ensuring they have the tools, support, and opportunities to rise above challenges and thrive.
