Kristen Lucas
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Kristen Lucas (she/her) helps to translate our strategy and vision to our finance, people and culture, and operations practices at ProInspire. She leads with authenticity and humility as she creates the conditions for thriving in our own organization: to support our wellbeing and to do our jobs well.
In her past roles as a Senior Manager and a Director at ProInspire, Kristen designed and delivered multiple programs with social impact leaders and organizations on inclusive leadership practices and organizational culture change. Before joining our team, Kristen worked at Teach For America and was instrumental to building the organization’s identity-based and values-based leadership programming for staff and corps members.
Across nearly 20 years of experience in the education and nonprofit sectors, Kristen’s purpose is to help bring personal and organizational values to life in day-to-day actions. She is at her best when she’s taking on new initiatives that require courage and creativity. Kristen loves to collaborate with colleagues to identify root causes and find sustainable solutions that center those most impacted. Outside of work, Kristen is a mama to three young kids, a Spanish language speaker and learner, an avid city biker, a school PTO Treasurer, and a psycholinguist.
What is your favorite form of self-care?
I love trying to make and create things, especially with my children. You can find us baking, gardening, painting, and building block towers as we bring our visions to life, often in unexpected ways! My family also loves to travel – to be with family and friends and also to explore new places – which helps remind us to be open to new possibilities and be present in the moment wherever we are.
What is something that you’re learning about?
Parenting, letting go of “either/or” thinking, and growing fruits and vegetables in zone 7.
Why do you do what you do?
In my past work, I’ve been exceptionally lucky to work with incredible leaders – people who have supported me in my own learning and career journey, who have created space for all team members to show up as we are (to bring our full selves to work and lead from our own values), and who have brought joy and passion to our work together. I’ve also been challenged with love and accountability to understand my identities and honored to connect with leaders who have shared powerful stories in places of significance in our nation’s history. I carry all of this with me with deep gratitude and humility, and the responsibility to continue the work that will create belonging and create the conditions for thriving in our organizations and communities.