Lisa Dietlin
Lisa M. Dietlin (born August 20, 1963) is an internationally recognized expert and author on philanthropy, charitable giving, and transformational change in both the personal and professional arenas. A leading figure in the American nonprofit sector, her deep experience with fundraising and the nonprofit sector, groundbreaking research on giving patterns, and influential ideas on transformational philanthropy have led her to become one of the most trusted philanthropic advisors in the nation, making numerous appearances on TV and radio. Speaker and Coach As founder of The Institute of Transformational Philanthropy, Lisa’s conviction that anyone can be an agent  for positive change by Making A Difference® in their own life has made her a highly sought after keynote speaker, lauded for delivering compelling and practical tools for personal growth, goal achievement, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance full of “happiness and joy” to a wide range of audiences across all industries. Lisa is an in-demand coach and instructor, having provided strategic guidance to over 1000 organizations, as well as to entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and nonprofit boards and staffs to help them enact transformational change at the individual, structural, and national levels. Lisa serves as adjunct faculty  at Chicago’s Northwestern University, DePaul University, and North Park University, as well as helming training seminars for clients ranging from Fortune 500’s and international charitable organizations to community-based nonprofits. Author Lisa has authored several books on the subjects of change and growth, including Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits; the Making a Difference: 365 Tips, Ideas, and Stories to Change Your World series; The Power of Three: How To Achieve Your Goals By Simply Doing Three Things A Day; and the autobiographical I Got Hit By A Taxi But You Look Run Over: Life Lessons about Happiness and  Joy. Awards and Recognitions In 2019, Lisa was named as one of the top 20 Most Inspiring Chicagoans by StreetWise magazine and was cited as a “Remarkable Woman” by the Chicago Tribune. Lisa’s other awards and recognitions include the Distinguished Graduate Award from Alpena Community College, a Certificate of Appreciation from the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, and induction into the Alpena High School Hall of Fame. Lisa serves on the Advisory Board of the Metropolitan Capital Bank and Trust, and for three years she served as a National Judge for the Tom’s of Maine "50 States for  Good" annual charity recognition award. Education A native of Michigan, Lisa holds undergraduate degrees from Michigan State University and Alpena Community College, and a Master’s Degree in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Early life. Dietlin was born in Alpena, Michigan, and spent her childhood in Michigan and Montana. Her father died when she was 13, and she and her siblings were raised by her mother. After graduating from Alpena High School and Alpena Community College, Dietlin earned a degree from Michigan State University. She received a Master of Arts degree in Philanthropy and Development  from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Dietlin served as the President for the Michigan Young Democrats, and then was the Legislative Services Specialist for the Michigan State University Senate from 1986-1991. Career. At Michigan Technological University, Dietlin served as Associate Director of Corporate Relations, Director of Major Gifts and Senior Advancement Director. She moved to Chicago in 1998 and worked as Assistant Dean of Development at University of Illinois at Chicago and an adjunct professor at North Park University. In 2000, Dietlin founded Lisa M. Dietlin & Associates, Inc. in Chicago, and served as President and CEO. LMDA worked  to create philanthropic strategies for its clients, mainly entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations. Dietlin served on the Board of the Ms. Foundation and WomenOnCall. Dietlin's first book, "Transformational Philanthropy: Entrepreneurs and Nonprofits", was published in 2010. She later authored three more books, the "Making A Difference" series, which provides tips, ideas and stories about creating positive impact through giving. Two additional books authored by Lisa are "The Power of Three: How to achieve your goals by simply doing three things a day" and "I Got Hit By a Taxi but You Look Run Over: Life Lessons about happiness and  joy." Dietlin was featured by the Chicago Tribune in their ebook "Remarkable Women: Interviews with Inspiring Chicagoland Women" In 2013 she was named one of the Top 50 Singles by "Today's Chicago Woman" magazine. She has also named as a "SheSource" expert on strategic fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofits, media and entertainment. Dietlin has been a guest on many television and radio programs including NBC., CBS, Fox News, Better TV, WGN Radio, Oprah & Friends Radio NPR and First Business, giving information and ideas about how to get involved in charitable work. She appeared regularly on CBS 2 as its Chicago Charity  Contributor, and was a national judge for the Tom’s of Maine "50 States for Good" charity recognition awards for several years. Dietlin has also contributed articles to, and been featured and quoted in various newspapers and magazines and in "The Chronicle of Philanthropy". She has been a regular Huffington Post contributor through her blog "Making A Difference®: The World of Giving".