Lisa Wilkes shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’m the Director of Mentorship for UF’s LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, and I was asked to speak at a student-led assembly in Gainesville at the start of the fall 2025 semester. Given the recent hostility and social tension, this task made me very nervous. Typically, I enjoy public speaking, but I wasn’t sure how to articulate my thoughts during this challenging moment in history. My intention was to share information and resources with students. I must have re-written that speech a dozen times; I struggled to describe our offerings for students—as well as my hopes for each student’s personal, professional, and academic future—without being overcome by emotion. On the day of the assembly, I still hadn’t figured out exactly what I wanted to say. These amazing college students deserved a chance to fulfill their dreams while celebrating their own unique identity, but recent regulations and restrictions limited their ability to do so. That fact weighed heavily on me as I ascended that stage in front of hundreds of students. Somehow, I found my voice that evening. I spoke from the heart, scrapping the speech I had composed (and edited endlessly) in favor of an honest discussion with these young adults. I was able to remind them that a network of alumni and community members believed in their success, and that we would continue to support them in every way possible. That event filled me with pride. Amid significant obstacles and daunting challenges, I found a way to connect with students on a personal level. Even more importantly, I applauded the resilience and tenacity I saw in each one of them. Put simply, these students are brave and bold. When I attended the University of Florida twenty years ago, I wasn’t nearly as secure in my identity, but these young adults knew exactly who they were and what they deserved in life. It was really inspiring. That assembly was an awesome reminder that, even during trying times, the kids are alright. Of course, this doesn’t mean that adults and mentors should stop advocating on their behalf. Conversely, it means we have even more reason to keep up the good fight. These brilliant individuals deserve our full attention, encouragement, and support.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My brand spans a wide range of important causes. As a licensed social worker and lifelong animal rescuer, I strive to better the lives of those around me and never shy away from an opportunity to help someone in need. Interestingly, this aligns with my journey as a writer; all four of my published novels address societal issues because I believe the best fiction is the kind that allows readers to grow and learn. My children’s book series features a rescued kitten with a disability, and 100% of author royalties are donated to animal rescue. Interestingly, children’s books can have a huge impact on adults, and I’ve received many messages from grown-ups who appreciated the series’ underlying message of empowerment and self-love. Currently, I’m finishing a new novel. It’s a thriller about a flight attendant whose love interest, a disgraced tech mogul, might be the only person who can save her from a twisted and deadly revenge plot.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was the same person at age five as I am today. Growing up, I always considered myself “odd,” a supercharged empath who saved stray animals and befriended the kids sitting alone in the lunchroom. I suppose I was always a nonconformist, long before I even knew what that term meant; I was never really drawn to current trends or styles. I was too busy charting my own course and engaging in activities that either promoted growth or spread compassion. I wrote my first “book” when I was eight years old—it was 69 pages and featured a lost kitten who finds her way home. It’s not entirely surprising that I eventually became a licensed social worker and novelist; I’d say that aligns with my essence from as far back as I can recall. My family members and childhood friends all tend to agree.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
-Generally, what other people say reflects their spirit, not yours.
As an adolescent and young adult, I took criticism to heart. I remember presenting the first chapter of one of my
novels to a writing class during my sophomore year of college. One of my peers remarked that if this is a glimpse into my writing abilities, it’s no wonder I hadn’t been published… and never would be.
At the time, I thought that was my sign from the universe to pursue a different passion. Someone had labeled me—in a sharp and biting way, I might add—an abysmal author, so it must be true. There was no hope for my writing career and there never would be.
In later years, I discovered that other people’s opinions do not define me. Did my writing skills need some work? Absolutely. Was I an utter failure, a lost cause because one of my peers hadn’t learned to critique others in a beneficial and productive manner? Absolutely not.
Along those lines, I didn’t fully explore, embrace, or accept myself as a bisexual woman until my early thirties. Shortly thereafter, I suffered through many off-putting comments about how I’d eventually end up with a man, or how I was meant to be a mother someday so I’d settle down with a guy at some point. What?! In hindsight, I’m really stunned by the fact that I felt I had to defend myself and explain my identity in those moments. What others said reflected their own insecurities, misconceptions, or lack of understanding. I now know that was never my personal burden to bear.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Mackenzie Scott isn’t necessarily a household name, but I believe she should be. Mackenzie owned about 4% of an e-commerce platform in 2019, and has since donated billions of dollars to thousands of charitable organizations around the world. I see her as a humanitarian and a renegade. In a world where greed is often the norm, and the people with unfathomable amounts of money typically sequester those profits or use their platform to acquire even more wealth, MacKenzie Scott breaks the mold. Her donations have literally changed the trajectory of countless nonprofits. I love that she has chosen to use her wealth in a truly selfless way, spreading her fortune to organizations powering so much growth and progress in this world.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
In the field of social work, I’ve come across many children in need of a safe and loving home; unfortunately, not all those children receive the attention and care they deserve. There are more than 400,000 foster children in the U.S. and the sad reality is that there just aren’t enough adults willing to open their homes and hearts to these children. I can’t fix that entire system single-handedly, even though I sure wish I could! But I certainly can offer my time and my home to children in need. I’m currently finishing the required trainings, which took about six months from start to finish, and anticipate my first foster care placement this winter. Preparing for my role as a foster parent has been a long and demanding journey, but it’s certainly worth the effort. I’m excited to meet my foster children in the next couple months.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisamichellewilkes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Travelisa1984/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wilkes-1b140957/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Travelisa1984
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lisa.castignetti
