Synopsis
The lure of a single recurring dream is enough to alter Lisa Hopper s path in life from that of a successful medical professional to the founder of a fledging humanitarian aid organization. Determined to make this dream into a reality, she founds World Care in her garage, equipped not with resources, but only hope. Armed with her vision and the call to serve others, Lisa fights the odds in this remarkable true story of dedication and perseverance, making her dream a reality.
About the Author
Lisa Hopper Lisa Hopper is the founder and CEO of World Care International Humanitarian Aid Organization, an adjunct lecturer at the University of Arizona Honors College in International Studies and Social Entrepreneurship, International Consultant, is an alumni Honorary Commander for the 355 Aerospace Medical Squadron at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Lisa was born in Chicago, IL August 29, 1961. In order to pay for her education, she joined the Women s Army Corps at age 18 where she studied physics and radiological technology medicine at Fort Sam Houston Texas then on to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. After receiving her B.S. in Physics and Radiology Administration from George Washington University at the age of 32, she was appointed as the Department of Radiology Technical Manager for George Washington University Hospital. It was during her time at George Washington that Lisa was first exposed to the worldwide need for medical aid as she traveled doing medical assessments for a humanitarian medical organization. During her travels she saw that many of the communities that needs of developing communities are multi facetted. Areas that lack the resources necessary for medical care also did not have the resources to send children to school. She quickly realized that without proper access to education, these communities would never be able to improve their situation. Upon returning to the U.S. she also began looking at her own community, realizing that there are communities in need in all parts of the world even the U.S. She began to carry school supplies with her on all of her travels to give to the children of the communities she visited. In YEAR, Lisa took a position at The University of Arizona s University Medical Center in Tucson. Lisa Hopper was appalled by the enormous amount of waste that was generated not only in this department, but also by the waste she had seen in her previous department as well. After looking further into the problem, she discovered that many other businesses, schools, and individuals unnecessarily discard supplies that others need. She saw that a change was necessary in this system and decided to develop a new concept for a humanitarian organization. She began collecting supplies in her garage, believing that it was logical to recycle any viable resource and re-distribute it to those in need. This would create better opportunities for disadvantaged people and provide a needed environmental service making use of supplies that, if not donated, would otherwise go to a landfill. In 1997, she put all of her retirement savings into World Care and devoted herself full-time to developing the organization. Since its conception in 1994 and its non-profit corporate status in 1996, World Care has collected and redirected nearly 20 million pounds of resources valued at over $40 million dollars to aid in humanitarian efforts worldwide. This has been accomplished with less than 3% of annual funds going to administration, making World Care one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in the country. She has received many awards including: Women Business Leader of the Year, NAWBO 2010, Athena Finalist 2010, The Global Visionary Award, The Presidents National Points of Light Award, YWCA Women on the Move, Ernst and You Award for Business Leadership, JC Penny Company Golden Rule for Outstanding Service in Education, Governor s Pride in Arizona for Distinguished Community Achievement, Karen McQuillan Award, Corporate Volunteer Council s Outstanding Volunteer Service, Mexican Federal Congress International Humanitarian Relief, Optimist International Achievement in Education, Volunteer Center of Tucson World Class Volunteer, Rotary Club of Guatemala Outstanding Recognition, Tucson citizen Volunteer of the Year, Dynamic Duo Award.
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