Believing sustainable adventure tourism development can facilitate poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and cultural preservation within destinations otherwise negatively impacted by the globalizing world, Lisa’s consulting work has consistently focused in developing economies. Prior to joining Xola, Lisa worked in publishing (National Geographic Traveler) and as a consultant for ARD and Nathan Associates, where she supported government-sponsored development programs in Eastern Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

At Xola Lisa focuses on connecting travelers, non-profits, foundations and private sector companies with community-based tourism initiatives in developing economies.  Facilitating investment and product development opportunities for both foundations and private sector companies, Lisa aids travelers and organizations in identifying and selecting potential tourism development investment projects for the benefit of both destinations and investors.   For investors, being able to engage with communities in the early stages of tourism development programs provides substantial benefits.

Lisa has always sought to link her personal and professional life through travel and tourism.  On the move ever since her first annual family ski trip - an Alley family tradition since she was five-years old – Lisa has in recent years enjoyed trekking through the Peruvian Andes, scaling Salvadoran volcanoes, exploring the underwater world of Indonesia, and discovering “freshies” on the slopes of the Colorado Rockies. 

Lisa is happy to be living in Northern California after several years in Washington, D.C and El Salvador. She has a BA in Hospitality from Northern Arizona University and MBA from The George Washington University with a focus on Environmental Management and Sustainable Tourism.