Meet Lisa Rashada

Executive Director & Founder

Lisa N Rashada, SAC-IT.

Executive Director/Founder

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Lisa Na’imah Rashada, SAC-IT is a Milwaukee native whose life journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of hope. Having endured childhood trauma, homelessness, addiction, and life-threatening medical challenges, Lisa is turning her experiences into a mission to empower women, young girls, families, and individuals navigating difficult circumstances.

Born to an African American father and a Caucasian mother, Lisa entered foster care at six years old. She experienced profound instability and mental and sexual abuse in foster placements. Those experiences shaped her early understanding of relationships, security, and self-worth. As a young adult, Lisa faced poverty, unhealthy relationships, physical abuse, and depression.

She struggled with alcohol addiction for nearly a decade while navigating motherhood and everyday survival. At times, she lived in trailers and slept in cars while trying to provide for her three children. Lisa was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, severe gallstones, a brain tumor described as mild, and a hernia. For more than six years, she experienced confusion and memory loss, at times struggling to recognize herself, her surroundings, or people close to her. Hospital visits, overnight monitoring, fluid drainage procedures, and pain management became part of her life.

Even through these challenges, she pursued education and a better future. She enrolled at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) to study Human Services, determined to turn hardship into service. Lisa is working toward her associate degree in Human Services at MATC, with graduation anticipated in 2027. In 2026, she obtained her Substance Abuse Counselor–In-Training (SAC-IT) credential through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).In 2026, Lisa underwent a successful liver transplant—a life-changing milestone and a renewed opportunity to pursue her purpose.

Lisa’s son, Eiziah Rashada, has experienced a remarkable journey of growth. As a teenager, he faced academic and behavioral difficulties, including suspensions, poor grades, anger, and periods of serious emotional distress. After reconnecting with his father in 2022, Eiziah benefited from increased encouragement, mentorship, nurturing, and spiritual guidance from both parents. He went on to graduate with honors and pursue higher education at MATC. His development illustrates the difference that love, family support, mentoring, education, and opportunity can make. On April 13, 2025, Eiziah received the NORI Youth Awards’ 2025 Adebisi Agoro, III Youth of the Year Award. He was also recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and U.S. Representative Gwen Moore for his leadership and achievement.

As Executive Director of Rashada Consulting Services, Inc., she is developing a vision rooted in lived experience, compassion, advocacy, and community support. Her goals include supportive spaces for women and girls affected by substance use disorders, people transitioning from foster care, and individuals and families affected by liver disease. Lisa recognizes that recovery is rarely linear. Healing can require medical care, accountability, trusting relationships, practical resources, and a community willing to stand beside people during difficult seasons. Her goal is to empower women, young girls, and vulnerable individuals through compassionate support, education, advocacy, and connections to resources that promote recovery, healing, stability, and personal growth.

Lisa Na’imah Rashada’s journey is one of survival, transformation, and renewed purpose. Her liver transplant, educational pursuits, SAC-IT credential, and commitment to community support reflect her determination to turn adversity into meaningful service.

“A person’s past may shape their journey, but it does not have to determine their destination.”