Congratulations to Lisa Schauer, who last week received the prestigious Iris Award honoring women of achievement in Southwest Washington. Hollie Logan and Laura Piltz nominated Lisa to recognize her significant contributions to our company and community.During her acceptance speech, Lisa told a story by Robert Fulghum of a teacher who led his class through an intellectual game called Giants, Dwarves, and Wizards. The purpose of the game was for the students to determine logically whether they should be a giant, a dwarf, or a wizard. At the climactic moment when the students were making their decisions, one of the girls walked over, tugged on the teacher’s sleeve, and asked, “Where do the mermaids stand?”
“Mermaids don’t exist,” he said.
“Oh yes they do,” she said. “I’m a mermaid!”
Finally understanding his error and the importance of the moment, the teacher replied, “All the mermaids stand next to the King of the Sea, right here with me.”
Like that little girl, Lisa spoke of how she has struggled to find her place while being true to herself.
In the minds of the attendees, it was clear that Lisa has found her place. She was the first female partner at our company, helped launch our Veteran’s Service Council, serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, oversees the firm’s business development and marketing efforts, and has been instrumental in courting and winning work with some of our largest clients. Lisa also has made an impact in our community by serving in leadership positions on many boards. For example, she is currently Chair of the Board of Directors for The Children’s Center and is the Chair and co-founder of the H-RoC Political Action Committee, a non-partisan group committed to advancing women political leaders.
At the end of her speech, Lisa made a commitment to help other mermaids find their places. The Iris Award serves as public recognition that she’s already fulfilling that commitment.
We’re glad Lisa’s place is at MacKay Sposito!
To see some snapshots from the event please click below:
