Lisa is the Executive Director of the International Book Project. An avid reader since childhood, Lisa believes that literacy opens doors to all worlds of opportunity. South African journalist and librarian Hazel Rochman said, “Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.” Books sparked Lisa’s interest in international affairs and led to a varied and fulfilling career that has taken her from international management and business development with Fortune 500 companies to raising a family in Kentucky, working as a volunteer and board member for a multitude of philanthropic and charitable projects and managing a congressional campaign. Lisa feels at home anywhere and everywhere, having lived in Lexington, Kentucky and the family farm in Washington, Kentucky for two decades, as well as having lived, traveled and worked throughout Europe, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. A native of Southern California, Lisa holds a B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA in Finance from UCLA. Her favorite author is Wallace Stegner, but she has too many favorite books to single out just one!
Jill is the Director of Development for the International Book Project and believes that literacy is the key that unlocks the door to a higher functioning and more compassionate society. Growing up in a small town in Massachusetts, many of her fondest memories were in her hometown’s public library. After attending state college and working in a variety of professional roles in client service, non-profit, and business development, Jill moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 1995 and began volunteering for the S.T.A.I.R. program (Start The Adventure In Reading) as a tutor for second grade students who were behind their peers in reading. Jill’s passion for social justice, and arts and culture, has led her to serve as a volunteer, event chair, and board member for many non-profit organizations and was previously employed at both the Lexington Ballet and LexArts in development. The work of the International Book Project helps to improve literacy rates, access to education, and creates economic opportunity and Jill is grateful to be a part of a team where her passions intersect her profession.
Stacie is the Director of Operations at the International Book Project. Her love of books was inspired by her first grade teacher, Mrs. Watanabe who challenged her to read at least one book each week. Stacie received a BS in Political Communications from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Kentucky. While Stacie has worked in a variety of areas, putting people together with books quickly became her mission. Beginning in the book retail business, Stacie saw the joy of helping others discover books and went on to share this experience in public and prison libraries. In addition to serving book communities, Stacie fosters kittens for the Lexington Humane Society and holds a special place in her heart for feral/community cats. While Stacie could not choose a favorite author, Geraldine Brooks, Haruki Murakami, and Richard Russo are in her top five.
Always curious, Joy has always wanted to learn as much as she could about everything. After graduating with a B.A. in Discipleship Studies and an M.Div. in Intercultural Studies, Joy is currently studying for a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. As a first-generation Filipino-American, her research and life passions include migrant and marginalized communities. When she discovered the International Book Project, Joy became excited by the opportunity to promote cultural awareness and intercultural dialogue through literacy and literature. When she’s not studying, Joy enjoys reading, playing video games, learning languages, and trying new things. She loves a variety of books but her favorite genres include philosophical fiction, classic literature, comic books, and Southeast Asian fiction.