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lisa wise

About

lisa wise is an entrepreneur, change maker, thought leader, writer and philanthropist

Growing up throughout rural Idaho, I was surrounded by love but short on resources and stability. I sought security by building businesses from a young age, starting with the first of many enterprises, The Sherlock Holmes Detective Agency. Offices were open for business in my parents' backyard tool shed, but clients and their mysteries never materialized. But, like most passionate entrepreneurs, I moved on to the next endeavor whether that be hustling as a dog-walker, snow shoveler, painted rock saleswoman, or pet sitter.

Today, I am the Founder + Chief Strategist of Flock DC, a family of real estate management companies that oversee two billion dollars in property in Washington, DC property. Flock is a purpose-driven, justice-based company that offers a new model for business in a world that will increasingly depend on companies to contribute to stronger and more sustainable communities.  I am deeply engaged in the community as an active member of the Leadership Greater Washington Class of 2020 and EO. I serve as Board Chair of Whitman-Walker Health, a federally qualified health center. I founded birdSEED, a housing justice foundation run by Flock DC; I advise as a volunteer with Jubilee Housing on real estate acquisition and development for the homeless and returning citizens.  I am also a Commissioner Mayor on the DC Advisory Counsel for Condo Associations.  During the pandemic, I took on one of my hardest challenges, writing a book!  Self-Elected: How to Put Justice Over Profit and Soar in Business is set to release in Fall 2022.  

When I’m not out trying to change the world and create great jobs, I enjoy time with my son Beckett and all kinds of animals!  You can learn more about me here.  I’ll keep flying high and appreciate you being part of this journey with me. 

The Journey

 

lisa’s career launched in the non-profit sector. She served as the Executive Director of a national environmental non-profit, oversaw operations for a DC-based healthcare coalition and proudly served Planned Parenthood Federation of America for many years as a national political field manager. At the height of the great recession, like any other natural-born entrepreneur, she decided to pursue her dream of owning and running her own company, one that united her need to create security for herself and her family and for others as well. Managing home(s) satisfied her passion and knack for business while creating an opportunity to change lives. lisa believed then as she does today, that forward-thinking, purpose-driven businesses create pathways to real impact and meaningful change for individuals and communities. She elected herself to build a more equitable, community-oriented, and just world through business.

lisa’s social justice leadership extends to her community work and thought leadership. She is tapped as an industry expert and advocate for equity, regularly appearing in national publications and podcasts. She currently serves as Board Chair for Whitman-Walker Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center that is a national leader in affirming community-based health and wellness services to all with a special expertise in LGBTQ and HIV care. She is also a Commissioner Mayor on the DC Condo Association Advisory Council for the District of Columbia and an advisory member to Jubilee Housing. She is an active member of Leadership Greater Washington and Entrepreneur Organization, EO. She has an MA in cultural studies, a BMA in Media Arts and BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona. Because who doesn’t love learning in the desert! A place as special to her as the Colorado plains she explored with Mortgage.

When not change-making and homemaking, you can find lisa surrounded by pets and hiking DC’s famous Rock Creek Park with her best friend - her ten-year-old son Beckett - and her wife Cameron.

Philanthropy

In 2020, Lisa Wise, with Ericka Taylor, authored the forthcoming business book/memoir “Self Elected: How to Put People and Place Over Profit and Soar.” During this writing journey, together with an advisory board and Flock, they launched the birdSEED foundation, a philanthropic effort to advance economic and housing justice for the BIPOC community. birdSEED offers no-strings down payment grants to first time BIPOC home buyers in the DC region. To date, $300,000 has been pledged for grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 and nine grantees are either living in their new homes or in the process of closing.

About

Flock DC is a family of companies laser focused on people and place.

We manage home and tend to our community.

Happy modern dwellers and happy homeowners cultivate stronger, sustainable, more equitable and robust local communities and economies. We are a mission driven, values based motherbird that privileges purpose over profit.

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