Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Coleman.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hi, my name is Lisa (Suarez) Coleman, and I was born and raised in San Antonio. Growing up on the Southside of San Antonio, I faced many challenges typical of children in underserved communities. As a teenage single mother, a high school dropout, and someone who experienced home and food insecurity, I learned early on the impact of community resources and services provided by nonprofit organizations. Through intervention from educators who cared for me and nonprofits such as United Way, I completed my high school education and received training that allowed me to secure employment. These resources allowed me to afford my son and me a safe and stable home. It also made me keenly aware that it only took one person who cared to change a person’s life. As a result, this inspired me to give back to my community when I could. After a successful career in sales, I committed myself to volunteering with local nonprofits, which eventually led to me taking on leadership roles with nonprofits in the San Antonio and Austin area. Meeting and marrying my husband revealed a shared passion for giving back to our community. With this shared interest, we founded our nonprofit, Coleman’s Corner.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some of the biggest challenges I have faced are being Latina and being female in spaces that are predominantly male or caucasian. Stepping out of my comfort zone was my most significant personal obstacle. It would have been easy for me to fall into cycles that are all too familiar to someone in my position. Do not make excuses for yourself. I was with my son at the bus stop every morning at 5:30 am. We took the bus to daycare, school, and work five days a week. On the weekends, I often walked to my part-time job to save on bus fare. In addition, taking a path that differs from what is known to you and your family can be intimidating. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or accept help from those outside your immediate circle. Taking that first step is the toughest, but it can also be the first step to something you’ve never dreamed of and can change the trajectory of your entire family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Coleman’s Corner, we aim to inspire children to lead a healthy lifestyle and promote literacy. We do this through youth football camps and reading events throughout San Antonio. We have also recently expanded our services, to include a mentorship program for at-risk youth and donating books for schools/little libraries. What sets us apart is that we are leading from personal experience. My husband is a lifelong athlete and understands the importance of staying physically active. I’m a lifelong reader and can attest to the benefits of reading. Reading creates a love of language, words, and experiences that encourages young minds to dream. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that I have come full circle, and the helping hand that I once received has now enabled me to pay it forward.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love San Antonio because of the diversity that it offers. We are rich in culture and tradition but also a city of growth and opportunity. We are a large city with a small-town feel and band together when need be. Areas I hope to see progress in are equal opportunities for everyone, no matter where they grew up or have attended school. We still have areas of San Antonio where families are living below the poverty level—neighborhoods where schools continue to be overcrowded and do not have the necessary essential tools. Our children are our future; investing in them is our best investment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colemanscorner1.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColemansCorner1
- Twitter: @ColemansCorner1
Image Credits
Joel Garcia – J Garcia Productionz
