Lisa Hopper, the founder and CEO of World Care International Humanitarian Aid Organization, Adjunct lecturer at University of Arizona Honors College in International Studies and Social Entrepreneurism and is an Honorary Commander for the 355 Aerospace Medical Squadron at Davis Monthan Air Force Base – all based in Tucson, Arizona.

She was born on August 29, 1961 in Chicago. Desiring an affordable education, she joined the Women’s Army Corps at age 18 where she studied physics and radiological technology medicine at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. She excelled at developing and applying concepts, organizing departments and systems, and teamwork. As a result of her strong skill set, she was quickly put into leadership positions.

After receiving a B.S. in physics and radiology administration from George Washington University, she was hired as the university hospital’s technical director. In this capacity, she procured five research grants, taught, traveled worldwide conducting assessments for a humanitarian medical organization, developed the computerized autopsy using advanced CT imagery on ancient mummies, and worked as a consultant for the Smithsonian Institute.

While doing medical needs assessments in worldwide communities, she saw not only a need for clinics and medical supplies, but also for basic school supplies. All the underserved communities lacked simple education staples, resulting in inadequately equipped schools functioning at a minimal level. Lisa realized that, without proper access to education, the people were not going to improve their situations. Additionally, it opened her eyes to similar problems in her own community. On return trips with the team, she began bringing small amounts of school supplies she gathered with donations from friends and family.

Later in her career, she became the manager of large radiology departments at both George Washington University Medical Center and then Tucson’s University Medical Center. In both instances, Lisa Hopper was appalled by the enormous amount of waste that was generated. After looking further into the problem, she discovered that many other businesses, schools, and individuals unnecessarily discard supplies that others need. This observation reminded her of her international experience in the disadvantaged communities.

By formalizing her previous distribution efforts, Lisa developed a new concept for a humanitarian organization and began collecting supplies in her garage. She believed that it was logical to recycle any viable resource and re-distribute it to those in need. This would create better opportunities for disadvantaged people and provide a needed environmental service — making use of supplies that, if not donated, would otherwise go to a landfill.

In 1997, she put all of her retirement savings into World Care and devoted herself full-time to developing the organization. Since its conception in 1994 and its non-profit corporate status in 1996, World Care has collected and redirected over 15,663,739 pounds of resources valued at over $25 million dollars to aid in humanitarian efforts worldwide. This has been accomplished with less than 3 percent of annual funds going to administration, making World Care one of the most efficient non-profit organizations in the country.

Lisa has received many awards including:
* National Points of Light Award, * YWCA Women on the Move, * Ernst and Young Award for Business Leadership, * J.C. Penny Company Golden Rule for Outstanding Service in Education, * Governors Pride in Arizona for Distinguished Community Achievement, * Karen McQuillan Award, * Corporate Volunteer Council’s Outstanding Volunteer Service, * Mexican Federal Congress International Humanitarian Relief, * Optimist International Achievement in Education, * Volunteer Center of Tucson World Class Volunteer, * Rotary Club of Guatemala Outstanding Recognition, * Tucson Citizen Volunteer Of The Year, * Dynamic Duo Award.