Success REfashiond Icon | Lisa Hansen

Our LAST - but not least- ICON OF 2023! I am so excited to share Lisa with you, I have had the pleasure of getting to know her, and really diving into her mission during her brand session for Power Over Predators. During this interview for Success REfashiond Magazine, she opens up about her life's journey, her deep-rooted values, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference.

From the warm hues of love to the courageous steps in her mission, Lisa's story is a celebration of resilience, hope, and the power of joy. Her life truly is a testament to the beauty of turning challenges into triumphs. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and perhaps even find a new perspective on life through Lisa's unique lens. After you are done reading here, check the link at the bottom to dig deeper into Power Over Predators and what you can do to make a difference.

Interview with Lisa Hansen

Jessica: What does RED symbolize for you?

Lisa: Red symbolizes warmth and love. Especially Jesus's love for me and His sacrifice on the cross.

Jessica: What does Success Refashiond mean to you?

Lisa: A joy-filled life is success to me. My family brings me a joy that I describe as life-giving. Seeing a life change because I get to share hope and joy is all the success I need.

Jessica: Tells us about you.

Lisa: I am in love with my husband Michael of 25 years, we have 3 sons who have amazing women in their lives and are mesmerized by our 7 grandkids. The ocean is our happy place but so is our home and life here in Tucson. We love the sun and beauty of the Sonoran Desert and enjoy hiking as often as possible. Animals play a huge role in our lives: we have the sweetest German Shepherd named Sofie who's got a little buddy in our Lionhead bunny, Nala. Mike and I run a youth program where we spend time with horses and kids once a month enjoying getting dirty, learning team-building skills all while working with magnificent animals. I love gardening and playing the piano.

Jessica: Tell us about what you do.

Lisa: I founded the non-profit organization Power Over Predators. Our mission is to end all forms of abuse and exploitation with extraordinary prevention education. We believe that every child deserves to be free from abuse and exploitation and needs the skills to protect themselves and others.

Jessica: Why is the work you do so important?

Lisa: Too many children suffer in silence. Today, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. This is an identity crisis that is not getting the proper care necessary. I am one of those statistics. When I finally understood my worth, that my past does not define me, and got the help I needed to heal, I dedicated my life to helping as many children as possible. When kids hear our message, they come forward, find their voice, know their worth, and end their suffering. It is truly inspiring and I will never stop fighting for them.

Jessica: What's a common myth about your industry?

Lisa: The myth is the problem is too big, so what can one person do? I can understand why people feel this because the statistics are depressing and with 500,000 predators online at any given time, it seems overwhelming. BUT... there are 85 MILLION moms in the US. If we come together and commit to protecting our kids, we CRUSH those predators 170 to 1! The problem is not too big... our mindset is too small.

Jessica: Do you feel like your industry is male-dominant? If so, has there been improvement in this area in recent years? why?

Lisa: No, I wish there were more men that would rise up.

Jessica: Who are 2-3 women who had huge influences on your life?

Lisa: My mom, Georgia. There is no woman I know who balances life with grace, unconditional love, and fierce loyalty to family the way she does. Laura Lederer, the founder of Global Centurion and the original champion of children's rights in the fight to end human and child trafficking.

Jessica: What was a struggle you remember facing when you began?

Lisa: The complexity of the issue and how so many don't want to look at such an uncomfortable topic. It is still a struggle I contend with today.

Jessica: What was a moment where you felt like you had to be brave? Something that was scary for you, but you got through it anyway? 

Lisa: I continue to sense the need for daily courage. Every day, I confront an unyielding and fierce malevolence. The attack on our children is relentless. If I'm afraid, I will lose the battle.

Jessica: What is your biggest accomplishment?

Lisa: On a personal level, my family is my biggest accomplishment. Professionally, it's toss-up between between serving as a stakeholder on the President's Interagency to Combat Human Trafficking and receiving recognition and support from the Arizona Department of Education to make my program accessible to all schools.

Jessica: What do you wish you had known when starting out?

Lisa: I wish I would have taken better care of myself on a personal level and received healing from my trauma before I got into trying to help others.

Jessica: If you lost everything and had to start over with your business, right now in a new place, what are the first things you would do to build your business?

Lisa: Surprisingly, just over a year ago, I faced the prospect of losing everything and had to embark on a fresh start. I allowed my ideas, which had previously been shelved by those in authority, to emerge, gain visibility, and be acted upon. I transitioned from a gloomy and ominous doomsday narrative to one centered on messages of love, hope, empowerment, and inspiration.

Jessica: What is your favorite quote?

Lisa: The more you expect from life, the more your expectations will be fulfilled. By laughing, you do not use up your laughter, but increase your store of it. The more you love, the more you will be loved. The more you give, the more you will receive. Life proves that truth every hour, every day. And life continues to surprise. - Author, Dean Koontz

Jessica: What are you curious about right now?

Lisa: If I will write another children's book.

Jessica: Do you have a favorite local restaurant?

Lisa: Time Market is my favorite place to try the most amazing version of pizza, unique sandwiches, salad, fresh bread, or monster cookie... their coffee is so delicious and wonderfully strong, I see stars with my first sip.

Jessica: If your best friend was visiting Tucson for the first time, what other favorite local places or hidden gems would you take them to?

Lisa: I always hop on the tram at Sabino Canyon.

Jessica: What's your hype song?

Lisa: The Sound by Switchfoot, the line "love is the final fight" keeps me going.

Jessica: Do you have a favorite word? What is it and why?

Lisa: Spanakopita - only because I love saying it with my Sid the Sloth accent - it makes my husband giggle and there is no better sound

Jessica: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Lisa: I would travel at the speed of light so I can be with my grandkids every day.

Jessica: On a scale of 1-10, how weird are you really?

Lisa: My family tells me its a 9 (but it's good weird)

Jessica: Tell me something that's true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Lisa: Miracles happen every day.

Jessica: Where would you like people to go to find you or find out more about what you do?

Lisa: www.poweroverpredators.org

Creative Credits:

REfashiond Icon: Lisa Hansen

Photography by Jessica Korff Studios

Makeup by: Renee Lanz | Radiate with ReneeJ

Dress Draping: Red dress draped and created by: Jessica Korff

More from Lisa: Read her Business Deep Dive Interview with us and find out more about Power over Predators HERE>>