Lisa Godwill-Ukpong
Educational Leader. Consultant. Coach.
I've always been curious about people.
I love talking to people and getting to know them. I'm fascinated by how they see and understand the world. Travel has deepened that curiosity. Encountering different ways of life has made me more aware of both the beauty and the challenges that shape people's lives.
That curiosity is a big part of why I do this work.
I began my career as an educator in the Baltimore City Public School System, where I learned early that supporting students meant understanding much more than what happened inside the classroom. I became curious about what was happening in their lives beyond school and how those circumstances shaped their learning experience. I began thinking deeply about what students needed in order to thrive and what I could create in the classroom to give them a fuller, more supportive experience.
I later moved into central administration in the New York City Public Schools, where my work has spanned professional development, communication, family and community engagement, and leadership development. Some of that work has focused on multilingual learners and immigrant families, deepening my understanding of how language and culture can shape a person’s experience within a system. It has also reinforced a question that continues to shape how I approach my work: What conditions need to be in place for people to learn, lead, contribute, and thrive?
My work has also taken me internationally. I’ve worked with partners and professionals in countries including Ghana, the Dominican Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire, providing guidance and creating programs and coursework designed to prepare professionals to be more globally and future-ready. Working across different educational and cultural contexts has reinforced something I learned early in the classroom: what people can achieve is shaped not only by their individual capacity, but also by the environments around them and the opportunities available to them.
That perspective is also reflected in my work as a coauthor of a book on dual language bilingual education, with a focus on family engagement, program sustainability, and effectiveness.
I’m interested in what’s already working and what might be getting in the way. I’m also interested in what becomes possible once we take the time to really understand the full picture. Whether the goal is a clearer strategy, a stronger team, or simply figuring out the next right move, I’ve always enjoyed figuring out what could help make meaningful progress possible.
That same interest in people led me to coaching. As an ICF-certified career and leadership coach, I work directly with people and support them as they think through their professional lives.
At the heart of it, I care about people, and I care about impact.
If something in this resonates with you, I may be the person you’re looking for. You already have something to work with. Let’s see what we can do with it.