Lisa Osborne Ross

As a senior vice president of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, Lisa Osborne Ross provides strategic counsel to clients like United Way of America, NIH and the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. While juggling her roles as wife, mother, and career woman, Ross always makes time for her family, her faith and her community.

As evidenced by her positions at the White House Women's Office and the Glass Ceiling Commission, Ross cares deeply about the needs of women and people of color. In 1997, Ross and a diverse and committed group of women helped establish the Washington Area Women's Foundation (WAWF).

The foundation's mission is to increase local philanthropy to meet the critical needs of women and girls in the Washington Metropolitan area. WAWF is the first organization of its kind in Washington and since its inception has raised millions of dollars...while drawing together many-more powerful and committed women, both as philanthropists and as change makers.

Ross, a native Washingtonian finds the stifling poverty next to the incredible wealth of the city to be disturbing. She works to bring the two together, for the long-term betterment of both. “WAWF provides a vehicle to do that, ”she says.

Currently serving on the Honorary Council of WAWF, Ross stresses the importance of focusing on young girls in need. By helping them early on, there's a better chance for them to become independent young women and contributing members of society.

Early in her career, Ross co-founded a scholarship fund for Howard University students interested in pursuing careers in public relations. This year, after being named Washington Women in PR's PR Woman of the Year, she is seeking to establish a community service mentorship program with WWPR, WAWF and Ogilvy Public Relations.

Ross is also an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, where her family attends services and her children attend the school.

At Ogilvy Public Relations, Ross has helped to promote several important community-health programs. She helped spearhead the national launch of United Way's 2-1-1 initiative, an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to community services and volunteer opportunities. She has also worked to build trust and awareness of HIV vaccine research in communities of color.

Ross lives with her husband Jeff, children Christian and Claire, and their bulldog Guiseppe.