Lisa Wallender

Humanitarian Concerns

Lisa Wallender ’82 received her bachelor of arts in chemistry cum laude from CLU and went on to earn a master’s in chemistry from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.  She is putting her education to good use as a water systems chemist II in the Hydraulic Operations Division of the County of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works Department.

Lisa’s humanitarian spirit comes through in her involvement with a number of volunteer organizations.  For the past 10 years, she has been a member of the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless, a nonprofit corporation that provides overnight shelter in faith communities for homeless women, children and families in San Luis Obispo.  She has held several positions on the ICH Board including president, vice president and chair of several committees.

Through her involvement with ICH, Lisa was instrumental in the development of the Prado Day Center.  The center, a joint effort of several government, business and nonprofit groups, provides meals, access to professional service providers and other services to the homeless.  In addition to chairing the Prado Steering Committee, Lisa spoke to community organizations, wrote grant applications and reports, and oversaw many aspects of the development of the new agency.

For the past five years, Lisa has been a member of Caring Callers, a nonprofit organization that matches volunteers with isolated senior citizens.  She is also a member of Sierra Club, which helps maintain local trails.