Risa Forrester
What makes Risa Wildly Capable?
“Risa is an absolute gem! She’s not afraid to ask hard questions and has a heart to learn, grow and lead with kindness and courage. She is a breath of fresh air to everyone she engages with.”
What makes you feel proud?
I feel proud when I see the young women on our team step into their talent and excel. And when my teenage son likes my Instagram story. I’m a go-getter who works to live a life of harmony and encourages others to do the same. Diversity and inclusion are important to me personally and professionally and I believe they must be present in education, life and work. I’m passionate about workplace belonging and culture, especially for millennials and Gen Z.
What keeps you up at night?
Divisive politics and extremism keep me up at night. As the daughter of public school educators, the product of public schools and the parent of a public school student, I lose sleep over the rhetoric from Oklahoma state leaders that hurts our teachers (heroes, each one!) and students who don’t fit a norm.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Love matters more.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
The public school teachers and leaders who invested in me over 13 years (including my mom and dad!) have influenced me beyond measure. I looked up to them, learned from them and loved them.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Finding harmony in my life—living a life of integrity where my values matched up to my personal and institutional commitments—has consistently been a challenge. I’ve often failed miserably. As I age, living a whole, integrated life has become more and more important to me.
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I hope I’m sharper in my new industry (I recently jumped into a new job after a 25-year career)! I hope I’ve let some of my prickly parts continue to fall away. I hope I can reflect on a year full of adventure. I hope I’ve supported my husband, son and coworkers in ways that allow them to thrive.
