Lisa Desatnik

I have been fortunate to have made a career out of doing what I love, which is using my communication skills to forge relationships and support of causes that are evoking positive change. I also enjoy working with civic-minded companies and organizations. I’ve earned numerous awards along the way, but my greatest satisfaction comes from knowing my work has helped touch lives in very meaningful ways. For that, I have to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers of so many charitable organizations, events, and civic minded businesses who work day in and day out to fulfill needs. These are the generous people with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working beside. I’ve created and implemented many successful cause-related campaigns and programs such as the award winning Lighthouse Vision Awards and the Collecting for Kids school supply drive. Included among my other past experience is: creating a PR campaign to change the image of newly developed Betts Longworth Historic District, for 8 years coordinating publicity and creative elements of the Inclusion Leadership Awards Event, and creating a PR campaign to help launch the Hidden Treasures CD (tribute to King Records) that resulted in a packed release party. I’ve also worked on numerous other events. Among them - the Appalachian Festival, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s Buddy Walk, the YMCA Salute to Black Achievers, YMCA Character Awards, Greater Cincinnati Alzeimer’s Association Memory Walk, Greater Cincinnati Planned Giving Association’s Voices of Giving Awards and more. Currently I help raise awareness about the positive contributions of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, and also continue working with other organizations. My experience includes media relations, planning, volunteer management, copywriting, social networking, events, and coordination of marketing materials. Among the other organizations with whom I have or am currently working are: Inclusion Network, iSPACE,FreeStore/FoodBank, Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Cincinnati Arts & Technology Center, Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation, Lighthouse Youth Services, Accountability and Credibility Together, CRI mental health agency, and more. I’m a past Board member of Children’s International Summer Villages and past member of the leadership team for the local chapter of Public Relations Society of America; and get involved with other volunteer opportunities. An animal lover sharing my home with three birds, I have been studying positive behavior management for many years and enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others. My pet interest has led me to become a pet columnist for Hyde Park Living.

YMCA Kids Brightened The Holidays For Soldiers In Afghanistan

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This is so truly special. To anyone who has ever wondered if your thoughtfulness made an impact, please read the letter below. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati works hard in every program to instill caring, respect, responsibility and honesty in children at very early ages. It’s just such an important part of raising compassionate young people who are learning that kindness does matter.

So one example is a project from one of the YMCA’s Early Learning Centers. If you read the letter, you’ll see how some very special children brightened the season of some extraordinary men and woman who are making huge sacrifices for us all.

Dear Kelly,

My name is Sergeant Major Richard Wolfe and my Soldiers recently received a care package from the YMCA Early Learning Center, Cincinnati, OH 45237 that included a note from your children.  I specifically picked up a card from *Michael thanking our troops and wishing us Happy Holidays.  I am the senior Non-Commissioned Officer for a few hundred Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen and on behalf of them I want to thank you all for remembering us here in Afghanistan this holiday season.  I am the dad of 4 boys, ages 28, 26, 22, and 6 and recognize the YMCA as wonderful organization doing great things for our youth.  God Bless you for what you do.  I want you to know that what you and the folks do in support of our troops matters and we appreciate it very much.  We have troops from Ohio serving with us and my dad is originally from Salem, Ohio.  You and the kids are a great example of the wonderful folks from the Buckeye state.  Again, God Bless you all and your families and have a blessed Christmas and New Years.  Please tell the kids that their notes arrived safely and we thank them.

*For privacy I have changed the boy’s name.

This Thanksgiving, Give Thanks For Ordinary Miracles

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I’ve always loved this song by Sarah McLachlin and thought during this week of Thanksgiving what a fitting time to share. Each and every day all around us are ordinary miracles.  The older I get the more I see them. They add so much beauty to our lives.  What ordinary miracles are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Wishing you and yours a peaceful and happy holiday filled with love.

Lisa

Monnasia Is A Teen Without A Home, But She Has A Spark Thanks To The YMCA

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Working with the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati I am so fortunate to be around people who are completely dedicated to enhancing the lives of others. I’ve seen so many children who in their brief years already have to learn out of necessity how to find their inner strength from overcoming personal hardships. They do that because of the nurturing guidance of YMCA staff and volunteers.

Rebecca Kelley, executive director of the Community Services YMCA, had shared this story with me. It’s a story she shared at the 21st Century Community Learning Center Conference in Washington D.C. earlier this year. Rebecca was speaking about the influence of supportive partners like JCPenney on her branch’s ability to help young kids succeed but the story itself is what inspired me.

Monnasia’s story

could be any of a number of Cincinnati area children who benefit from YMCA led afterschool programs.

“Her smile captures your eyes first, then her dark brown eyes hold your attention,” Rebecca explained. “Monnasia attends the YMCA’s CincyAfterSchool program at her school, where she experiences nine research-based program components. With help from JCPenney tutor volunteers, she’s improving in math and reading scores.  She enjoys expanding her knowledge and skills in global learning via the foreign language club, Skyping with students from Ireland, and salsa dancing that brings other cultures to life.  She serves on her program’s Youth Advisory Council to develop her leadership skills and engage in service-learning.  Right now, Monnasia is enjoying Cincinnati Public Schools’ Fifth Quarter, an extension of the school year for four weeks of instruction and enrichment delivered by school staff and community partners.”

Then Rebecca explained how the little girl so excited about learning told her YMCA CincyAfterSchool coordinator that drawing her self-portrait made her sad and proud at the same time. Monnasia was at the global family portrait project at the Cincinnati Museum Center; and, while she liked opening her mind to other cultures, it reminded her of incredible pain. The kind of pain no child should have to endure.

“You see, Monnasia’s family portrait looks different. She’s homeless.” Rebecca went on.

“Although Monasia receives support from caring adults and staff, as well as JCPenney’s generous gift cards for school supplies and clothing in the past, Monnasia has to think about which house she’ll be sleeping at this week.  When her school principal and YMCA site coordinator announced she would be honored as one of 28 CincyAfterSchool All-Stars, she had to figure out more logistics than most 12-year-olds on how she would get to the event and make it safely to her lodging that night.

“In nominating her for our All-Star Award, the principal noted how Monnasia has discovered her spark through the YMCA ArtWheels program.  She’s exploring college and career options already, and learning which classes she needs to take to fulfill those dreams in her eyes.  She demonstrates care for others by reading to Kindergarteners and listening to 1st graders read.  We know she’s going to succeed!,” Rebecca concluded.

Miami University’s Kappa Alpha Psi Trek 40 Miles On Freedom Walk

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Members of Miami University’s Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity walked 40 miles several weekends ago. A significant distance for anyone to trek in just two days, the fraternity’s Freedom Walk traced only a small portion of the brave and treacherous journey of their ancestors who escaped the deplorable conditions that were known as slavery.

Along the way, the eight students and some alumni passed known Underground Railroad safe houses and significant historic landmarks such as the grave sites of Underground Railroad conductors.

“The Freedom Walk was an awesome experience for everyone involved,” said Fraternity President Donovan Potter. “Reflecting on how we completed the 40 miles and experiencing the hunger and soreness that we felt, put it into perspective about how slaves had to endure all of that without the benefits that we dad. We were able to stop and get something to eat, readjust our shoes, and not have to worry about someone trying to capture us. It is very heart-warming to know that our ancestors endured the treacherous weather and wilderness just so we can have the life that we live today. This venture over the weekend is going to be an experience that will last us a lifetime.”

Kappa Alpha Psi also used the event to help raise money for the Cincinnati National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Donations are still being accepted. To give online, visit http://www.freedomcenter.org or send a check to The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (NURFC) at 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The Fraternity asks that you please note on the check that your donation is on behalf of the Freedom Walk.

(pictured) Top Row : Stephen Buchanan, Greg Jordan
Middle Row: Alex Tyree, Donovan Potter, Andre Rudolph
Bottom Row (left to right): Callen Reese, Glenn Miller

Not Pictured: Tyrone Jones

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