Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Council.
Hi Lisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Lisa Council
Founder and CEO
Self Healing Ignites Flourishing Transformation (SHIFT), Inc.
I am Lynda’s Voice, LLC
Lisa is a survivor and thriver of domestic violence, as well as a Survivor Fellow for Everytown for Gun Safety, who has dedicated her life to sharing my testimony of overcoming 33 years of abuse, low self-esteem, as well the tragedy of losing her only sister to domestic violence. Lisa’s story is shared in schools, churches, conferences, and community events throughout the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Lisa is the founder and CEO of Self…Healing…Ignites…Flourishing…Transformation, (#S.H.I.F.T.), Inc., as well the developer and host of S.H.I.F.T Monthly Podcast, which airs on social media outlets, as well as iHeart Radio. Lisa is also the founder, and CEO of I Am Lynda’s Voice, LLC. Lisa is also a co-author of the Amazon bestseller I Am Her Story – “From Pain to Purpose I: Testimonies of Strong Women;” International best-seller Restoration Speaks Loud: “From Tragedy to Triumph” and Triumphant Overcomer. Lisa is a recipient of the 2025 United States Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Lisa was honored as with the 2023 Sister for Sister’s, Inc. “Love Cares Award, as well acknowledged as 31 Women Making History in 2023. Lisa’s story “I Am Lynda’s Voice” was featured at the 2017 DC Black Film Festival and won for the category of “Best Web Series”, her story was also featured at 2017 National Black Film Festival in Houston, TX, 2017 Northern Virginia Film Festival (NOVA), Purple Pearls Magazine & I Overcame Project, The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. & My Sister’s Keeper: Addressing Violence Against Women and Children; Video and Panel; Make the Change Radio Show: Interview with Host Patricia Terrell; as well as DCTV Cable Channel.
Lisa has also been a guest speaker on numerous internet radio talk shows. Lisa’s speaking engagements for the year of 2022 has included the following: Panelist during the Domestic Violence Many Tags (DVWMT) “Turning Sisters Trauma into Healing and Recovery”; Keynote Speaker for Moms Demand Action DC Advocacy Week; Panelist during the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (MACCAN) Virtual Town Hall Meeting, along with numerous events. Lisa’s greatest passion is empowering women and young girls and assuring them that they too can live a life free of bondage and be healed from all adversity that they may face in life and to see themselves as God sees them…royalty. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” [1 Peter 2:9]
Lisa is the youngest child to the late Walter C. Council and Mr. and Mrs. James Fleet. Lisa is a proud mother and aunt. She is a native Washingtonian, who received her education in the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Lisa knows that “it was in her darkness God was preparing her for her destiny!”
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. [Psalm 46:5]
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Overcoming the strongholds of domestic violence, as well as losing my only sister has been far from a smooth road. My healing journey has been met with many bumps and bruises along the way.
I grow up around very strong women in my family, therefore, I was taught at a very early to keep my thoughts to myself, as well as to suck up my pain and keep moving. Little did I know that what I was doing was masking my true feelings and walking around damaged, depressed and suffering in silence. It wasn’t until I fully accepted that I needed help, that my life would take a change for the better. I spent years in individual, as well as group therapy. I also, had to be honest with myself on hard days, along with allowing myself to have bad days. I also had to learn to live my life without caring what others thought of me during my ongoing healing journey. Once I allowed myself to free be from other people’s thoughts and judgements is when I began to heal from my own demons and struggles.
As you know, we’re big fans of Self Healing Ignites Flourishing Transformation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My organization is used to give others hope, inspiration, encouragement, and tools to live their lives freely while going through their storm, as well as their healing journey. My monthly podcast gives listeners resources, education and information on how to grow forth. I also have annual conferences for victims, survivors and thrivers of Domestic Violence.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Although I’m a public speaker, I very shy and quiet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiftinc.org
- Instagram: Lisa C
- Facebook: Lisa Renee
