The Gift of a Challenging Audience: How to Connect and Engage With the Rebels in the Room

Lisa Braithwaite, M.A. Related seminars and products

Before starting her public speaking coaching business in 2005, Lisa Braithwaite, a Santa Barbara native and Cate School graduate, worked in the nonprofit sector in Santa Barbara for sixteen years, developing and implementing programs, curricula, and training materials for local organizations.

She's especially proud of her accomplishments with Body Electric, a nonprofit she co-founded in 1997 to promote participation, recognition and celebration of local women and girls in sports and physical activity.

She has spoken to thousands of people, both youth and adults, on topics ranging from domestic violence and healthy relationships, to gender equity and Title IX, to public speaking and presentation skills.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to create new and innovative programs in each organization she worked for. In 1995, she created the first full-time teen relationship violence program in Santa Barbara County, for Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County. In 1998, she developed a media literacy program for Girls Incorporated of Carpinteria, inspiring girls to be strong, smart and bold. In 2000, she joined the fledgling Morgan Foundation and established their domestic and international grant programs to provide computer and Internet access to poor communities and developing countries.

As Training Coordinator for Tri-Counties Regional Center, she led the team of staff and consultants in creating a new employee orientation program and a comprehensive training and education program using employees as trainers.

In 2003, Lisa was honored for her work with Body Electric with the Louise Lowry Davis award, named for a local pioneer in women’s sports. The award is given annually by the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table to a person recognized as a player, coach or sponsor who excels in leadership and sportsmanship in the community.

Lisa is a graduate of Women's Economic Ventures' Self-Employment Training and continues to volunteer as a speaker in the program. In 2013, Lisa received WEV's Santa Barbara County Volunteer of the Year award.

She has been interviewed for the Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, Wall Street Journal, the Santa Barbara News Press, Men’s Health Magazine and on Inc.com.

She is a professional member of the National Speakers Association.

Lisa resides in Ojai, California with her husband Rudy and rescue kitties Ernie (left) and Benjamin (right) who are celebrities on Facebook and Instagram.