Lisa Behrends, MA

Intentional Connections™ is a networking experience designed to help women build meaningful business and leadership relationships. What began as an event has evolved into corporate workshops that help organizations worldwide build more connection-driven cultures.

I bring 20 years of experience delivering presentations that engage diverse audiences. I help leaders and organizations have the conversations that matter most—conversations that create clarity, build connection, and drive real breakthroughs. Together, we strengthen what’s happening internally so teams can lead, serve, and perform at their best. Visit www.lisabehrends.com to learn more.

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers is a YSS organization in Des Moines. Learn more at www.yss.org. -- Managed two annual fundraising events and implemented stewardship plans for 50 major donors -- Responsible for management of 19 Advisory Board members --Connected with 150 local businesses and created partnerships to help at-risk homeless youth ages 16-24 -- Public speaker to a wide variety of groups to create brand awareness for YSS and educate on youth homelessness -- Ensured operational efficiency while focusing on staff development opportunities to drive the mission and vision of the organization

-- Cultivated strong relationships with 50 major donors -- Planned and carried out two annual recognition events to support donor stewardship -- Developed and implemented an annual plan to maximize private gift support

-- Developed, managed, and executed the overall fundraising strategy for $3 million budget --Encouraged and modeled good communications with eight staff, 15 board members, 4,000 volunteers, and 25 major donors --Increased sponsorship goals for two annual fundraising events by 44% in one year --Created local community partnerships with 47 food pantries in Polk County and delivered meals quarterly -- Built and maintained 200 new strategic donor and community business relationships --Contacted and met with two businesses in Arizona to financially sponsor the annual Arizona Hunger Fight

-- Led and directed four full-time staff and 60 part-time employees -- Managed $700,000 operating budget for the South Suburban YMCA -- Provided leadership and support to 15 Advisory Board members -- Proactively developed new donor relationships and administered fund-raising activities -- Developed community partnerships and networked with various agencies, schools, and churches -- Planned and executed numerous youth sports, teen leadership, family and youth programs -- Organized and led staff leadership retreats for 25 YMCA employees

-- Communicated with 90% of the donors acknowledging their gifts to Grinnell College -- Managed campus partnerships regarding current use and designated funds -- Oversaw approximately 100 volunteers as class agents to promote and sustain relationships between classmates and Grinnell College

-- Taught Boot Camp class to approximately 40 students and staff two times per week each semester -- Integrated cardio, core, resistance, and flexibility in 45 minutes -- Optimized fitness movements at high intensity levels for all abilities

-- Interacted effectively with students, faculty, staff, and alumni of diverse backgrounds or personalities -- Managed job posting site and communicated with over 200 employers throughout the nation -- Created weekly distribution newsletter for the campus

-- Responsible for billing, accounts receivable, and operating budget over $400,000 -- Effectively communicated with customers, business clients, and 13 employees -- Increased profitability by recovering overdue accounts and increasing efficiency

-- Provided administrative support for two supervisors and 21 staff members -- Coordinated applications with 50 community leaders for successful grant project completion --Scheduled and led meetings with key leaders in all 99 counties in the state of Iowa to discuss hazard mitigation plans