One of the most intriguing aspects of life lies in our capacity to influence our own destinies. While human destiny remains beyond our control, active development of medical technologies is helping us shape the length and the quality of our lives.
With over 25 years committed to community engagement and charitable work, Lisa Engle Ireland leads the Longevity Science Foundation on a mission to extend healthy human longevity.
Lisa Engle Ireland has generously devoted a significant part of her life to philanthropy. We had the chance to learn more about Lisa Engle Ireland story, her motivation and Lisa Engle Ireland role in promoting healthy aging.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and how did you rise to your current position as CEO?
I earned my BA in communications and political science, but upon graduating, I felt a strong desire to help people and make a lasting impact through philanthropic work. I was drawn to endeavors aimed at promoting equitable access to resources. This prompted me to explore opportunities within nonprofit organizations, which in turn led to a fulfilling career spanning over 25 years in nonprofit leadership.
My journey began with community development organizations in Orleans County, New York, where I worked on initiatives related to community development, fundraising and resource accessibility. I take pride in the impact I was able to make in my home community during this time.
I then moved on to work at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where I served as the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC), where I held the position of Vice President for Institutional Advancement. It was during my tenure in these roles that I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of bolstering scientific pursuits and aiding researchers, leading me to explore the possibilities of working with research funding.
A little over a year ago, a recruiter contacted me and introduced me to the work of the Longevity Science Foundation. The organization’s mission to enhance accessibility to longevity medicine and care by funding groundbreaking aging research resonated with me: throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to ensuring equality of resource access. However, my motivation extends beyond professional alignment – like many of us, I have family members affected by age-related diseases, and I am acutely aware of the profound challenges these illnesses bring to the lives of individuals and their loved ones. This serves as a fuel for my dedication to our mission of promoting healthier, longer lives for all.
As a female CEO, what strategies have you used to overcome gender-related challenges in your career journey?
We are making strides in achieving equal opportunities and fostering workplaces free from sexism. Nonetheless, challenges arise, and my experience dictates that embracing open and honest communication is instrumental in overcoming such obstacles.
Both the nonprofit sector and the field of longevity research boast a wealth of remarkable female leaders, and championing their achievements has consistently been a priority for me. It is essential to highlight the impact that women leaders make, serving as a driving force in dismantling lingering biases. I am happy to have been both supportive of and supported by the female trailblazers in our fields.
Finally, I can’t understate the value of being prepared and informed. Some of our peers continue to grapple with misconceptions concerning women in the workplace. In this landscape, readiness becomes an indispensable asset, particularly when subjected to scrutiny.
Can you highlight a significant achievement or turning point that played a pivotal role in your career trajectory?
Assuming my first CEO role at United Way of Orleans County marked a pivotal moment in my professional journey. The opportunity allowed me to amalgamate all my experiences into one position, helping me create meaningful change within my community while engaging with business leaders, donors, elected officials, and others.
The role required a multifaceted skill set, including financial acumen, executive leadership, fundraising, advocacy, and community program awareness, while maintaining a commitment to United Way’s mission, vision, and values that underpin our collective work.
How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your company?
At the LSF, we work closely with pioneering early-stage research that pushes the boundaries of both longevity medicine and science at large. The exceptional quality of this research serves as a tremendous source of inspiration. I leverage this opportunity to spotlight the remarkable achievements of these scientists, fuelling our team’s motivation.
I lead by example and continually seek opportunities to optimize and enhance our operations. This involves identifying innovative solutions and tools that streamline our workflow, ultimately elevating our global impact and effectiveness.
Can you share an example of a difficult decision you had to make and the factors you considered before making it?
I oversaw a complete restructuring of multiple departments at the RMSC – a process that involved bringing together various teams. I adopted an inclusive approach to ensure the success of the reorganization process: I listened and learned about all the work that was being conducted in each department and understood the leadership styles.
Before implementing a new structure, I took deliberate steps to ensure that every staff member felt heard and that their perspectives were considered.
I made certain that each decision was aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values, thereby guiding the decision-making process toward a path that resonated with RMSC’s overarching principles.
If you have any other additional details which we might have missed out on or that you want to highlight in the profile, please feel free to share them.
Community engagement holds a lot of importance for me. Over the years, I’ve dedicated a considerable amount of my time to volunteering within my local community. Currently, I hold the position of Advisory Board Member at Canandaigua National Bank and Trust. I’ve recently taken on a role as a Board Member with Miss Julie’s School of Beauty – an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking.
In the past, I had the pleasure of serving as the President and Trustee of the Brockport Central School District Board of Education. I was also a Member of the NYS Commissioner of Education Roundtable and held the position of Vice President within the Monroe County School Board Association.
