Lisa Francis is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and educator with a deep passion for fostering growth in new ventures and organizations. With an MBA from American University, Lisa has built her career around entrepreneurship and business strategy. Her early work at POLITICO focused on people strategy during the organization’s formative years, connecting talent to opportunities that propelled growth. She later served as Director of Graduate Admissions at American University’s Kogod School of Business, building global partnerships and mentoring aspiring leaders.
In 2023, Lisa launched The Federal Lunch, a Washington, DC-based food company inspired by her great-grandfather’s restaurant, combining her family’s legacy with her entrepreneurial vision. As a member of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship Incubator and an active contributor to the DC entrepreneurship community, Lisa draws on her experience in corporate strategy, consulting, and business ownership. She is eager to guide students this summer in learning the principles of entrepreneurship and building a path forward.