Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Lippe-Kelley.
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 Lippe-Kelley – A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Service
Born and raised in San Diego County, I’ve had the privilege of calling it home my entire adult life. My journey began with a love of writing that led me into journalism, and over time, evolved into a fulfilling career in production and live events. My passion for storytelling, communication, and connection inspired me to study business, communications and marketing—tools that would eventually guide me toward work that truly speaks to my heart.
Today, I focus my energy on Saddles In Service, a nonprofit organization that serves our Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders through Equine Assisted Learning. Supporting those who serve is deeply personal to me. My father, a proud career Marine and combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, endured unimaginable hardship as a child—a civilian Prisoner of War (POW) during World War II in Santo Tomas, from 1942 to 1945. His strength and service inspire me every day. May he rest in peace.
I’m also a proud mom to an incredible son who now serves as a firefighter, and I consider it an honor to give back to those who sacrifice so much for our safety and freedom.
My husband Casey and I live in Carlsbad, and are blessed to spend time with our two beautiful granddaughters, ages one and three. Being around them reminds me of the importance of nurturing dreams. In 2023, I fulfilled one of mine by publishing “Thomas The Tillerman”, a children’s book that encourages young readers to believe in themselves and follow their dreams. I distribute it through www.thomasthetillerman.com, and often donate or gift copies to children, schools, orphanages and nonprofit organizations.
Being interviewed by SD Voyager Magazine is such an honor. I am filled with gratitude in this moment of reflection on a life shaped by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to service—just like the community I’m proud to support through Saddles In Service.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth, but it has been full of love and exciting opportunities. I am grateful for the challenges that made me who I am today. I am not afraid to work hard and I think serving others is one of the most privileged roles a person can play.
Challenges come and go, that is part of life and help form who we become. I heard a statistic the other day that many CEOs had something in common, a first or early job… a paper route! I began work at age 11 with a paper route. Early to rise, organize and deliver a product, follow up with collecting the fees and that is after sometimes promoting and selling. I am just using this an example, as one never knows what helps clear our paths. Back then it was to save money and get experience.
I see obstacles and challenges that face Saddles In Service (SIS) and through the visionary founder, the team she has surrounded herself with and the heroes and wranglers who circle around each other, those obstacles and challenges are overcome.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At heart, I’m a writer and storyteller. That’s always been my foundation—from early days in journalism to more than two decades producing events, celebrations, and business launches. I recently dissolved my business but continue to support a small number of longtime clients who’ve become friends. I still love creating memorable experiences—whether it’s a meaningful family milestone or a brand’s public debut.
While event planning and production were my career, writing has always been my first love. In 2023, I published Thomas The Tillerman, a children’s book that encourages kids to believe in their dreams—a message that resonates deeply with my personal journey. I specialize in bringing stories to life, whether through words or curated experiences.
Today, I focus much of my energy on the nonprofit Saddles In Service, which supports Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders through Equine Assisted Learning. It’s work that’s deeply personal—my father was a career Marine and combat veteran, and my son is a firefighter. Supporting those who serve is part of my purpose.
What sets me apart is the way I blend creativity, communication, and connection. Whether I’m writing a story, planning an event, or supporting a cause, I strive to infuse heart, authenticity, and meaning into everything I do.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor is truly the most important action I took when I engaged in my career of storytelling, and event production. They were invaluable to my growth. Mentorship is a wonderful and important way to give back as well. Look to the people around you, identify someone you respect, admire and have shown to be successful in the field of interest. Ask them if they are open to mentorship or if they can introduce you to someone who they respect.
By being mentored I learned tools early from others to help avoid mistakes that can be made when you are new at something.
I am surrounded by like-minded people who give back through mentorship, and understand the mutual benefit of serving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.saddlesinservice.org
- Instagram: saddlesinservioce
- Facebook: saddlesinservice
- LinkedIn: saddlesinservioce
- Other: https://thomasthetillerman.com
