Lisa Howze is an award-winning author, keynote speaker,

and thought leader whose work sits at the intersection

of purpose, policy, and possibility. She is the founder

of the Courageous Growth Mindset Movement and

the creator of the Courageous Growth Mindset™

framework—a structured leadership philosophy

equipping individuals with the tools to move from

access to completion and from potential to purpose.

Her book, Candy Girl Mentality, serves as the

foundation of her work, challenging students and

emerging leaders to build identity, strengthen

resilience, and practice intentional decision-making

as essential tools for long-term success. Through this

message, she has reached students, families, and

educators across the country, reinforcing a belief that

resilience and resourcefulness are learned—and scalable.

By training, Lisa is a Certified Public Accountant. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and later completed graduate studies in finance at Walsh College. Her career spans business, government, and higher education, including service as a Michigan State Representative and as a university vice president, where her focus centered on student growth, retention, and education affordability. Across these roles, she has worked at the systems level—where decisions made in policy rooms shape outcomes in classrooms, households, and communities.

In recognition of her public service and commitment to empowering the next generation, Lisa was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from

Walsh College.

Lisa’s message resonates because it is both strategic and deeply human. She speaks about purpose not as something you chase, but as a calling that chases you—and the courage required to answer it. Whether addressing students, educators, institutional leaders, or professional audiences, she equips individuals and organizations with the clarity and language to rise higher, lead with integrity, and translate insight into

lasting impact.