Lisa’s Living Room was formed after Founder Lisa Robinson received a generous outpouring of support after being laid off which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This support particularly from female friends and female colleagues caused Lisa to ask herself what would happen if these Phenomenal Women whom she met in various stages of her life were to meet and get together in one room. Hence, Lisa’s Living Room, a safe space for women to be their authentic selves by sharing their personal and professional experiences. Our virtual events are open to everyone. We just ask you have an open heart and an open mind.
Our mission is to provide a platform where women of color along with their allies can educate and empower each other, address issues that matter to us and our community and encourage each other to live our best life and live phenomenally.
In Lisa’s Living Room, YOU GOT THIS & WE GOT YOU!
FOUNDER
I founded Lisa’s Living Room as a thank you to the Sister-Friends in my life. I wanted to let them know that their support and friendship has helped me to be the person I have become and am becoming. Raised by no nonsense, intelligent parents who taught my siblings and I to not only get a seat at the table but own the table, friends have always been my chosen family.
In addition to Lisa’s Living Room, I am the Vice President of Community and Social Engagement at Downtown Music Holdings, a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Advisory Board Member of Scholarship Plus, Board Member of Music Business Association (Music Biz) and an active supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I have also appeared on a number of music industry panels. My cup runneth over but I make time for the causes and people that are important to me. That of course begins with my family – my husband of 25+ years, teen daughter – an HBCU student, college bound son and our beloved 130 lb American Bulldog, Titan.
Learn more about Lisa at Ellevate Network’s Member Spotlight available here and on LinkedIn.
Congratulations to Lisa’s Living Room President and Founder, Lisa Robinson for being recognized in Billboard’s Women in Music Executives List 2023. This is well deserved and years in the making.
We are proud of this phenomenal woman!
GARRETT-FLEMING
FOUNDING MEMBER
I have over 20 years experience in the Meetings Industry, planning and organizing conferences for financial professionals. Laid off in 2017, I made a career change, now working in Human Resources with the City of New York.
Being a founding member of Lisa’s Living Room further fueled my passion for helping others. The encouragement and support from other professional women of color has been invaluable. In addition to my professional career, I have volunteered with the Children’s Aid Society, Girl Scouts of America and am a supporter of. World Vision. I earned my degree in Communication from the State University of NY at Albany.
TREASURER
Desiree Farmer has more than 10 years experience as an accomplished accounting professional. Her detailed oriented skills, extensive knowledge of cash and recording maintenance; and comprehensive of accounting reconciliation led her to succeed within the insurance and entertainment industry.
Desiree is passionate about the economic development and empowerment of people of color, especially women of color. She serves as Treasurer of Lisa’s Living Room. Joining Lisa’s Living Room, Desiree has helped to create a platform for women of color to gather information, to ignite their voices to express their concerns and beliefs; and celebrate every success that goes unrecognized that deserve appreciation.
Desiree currently is the Royalty Analyst at Beanstalk LLC, which is an award winning international brand licensing agency. She earned her Master of Science degree in Public Accounting from Iona College. She also earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Management from Manhattanville College.
Words to Live By from Other Phenomenal Women
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.“
Maya Angelou
“Those that don’t got it, can’t show it. Those that got it, can’t hide it.”
Zora Neale Hurston
“I admit it I am louder than the average human being and have no fear of speaking my mind. These traits don’t come from the color of my skin but from an unwavering belief in my own intelligence.“
Michelle Obama
Why is a starfish in the logo and not a sofa?
The Starfish Story
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”
The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I made a difference to that one!”
If you got it or think you don’t and need some support, consider becoming a Sister of Lisa’s Living Room,
Welcome to Lisa's Living Room 