Lisa Jackson
Suquamish Museum
Suquamish, WA USA
"The best thing you can do is just be open-minded and hope and dream that what you want will find you."
Career Roadmap
Lisa's work combines: Art, Philosophy & Religion, and Communicating / Sharing Stories
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
Bachelor's Degree
Communication
Western Washington University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I started as a youth peer educator at 16, using culture to teach life skills, substance abuse prevention, and mental wellness through the Healing of the Canoe program.
2.
After years in casino marketing, I realized I wanted more than a career—I wanted to reconnect with my culture and give back to my people.
3.
Inspired by a self-help book, I applied for CEO of our tribal government—I was underqualified but determined to prove to myself that I belonged in leadership.
4.
I didn’t get the CEO job, but the Tribal Council noticed my vision, and that opened the door for future opportunities to serve my community.
5.
I accepted an interim museum director role on the spot, asking only to keep supporting Healing of the Canoe one day a week because I wasn’t ready to let go of that work.
6.
With no prior management experience, I leaned on mentors, built support systems, and learned by doing until I became the museum’s permanent director.
7.
I now lead the Suquamish Museum with the mission of education and allyship, ensuring our stories, art, and language continue to thrive far beyond my time.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
Maybe I don't have what it takes to do this.
How I responded:
I have a personality that pursues change. I thrive when I'm pushing myself out of my comfort zone. However, there are times where I'll feel uncertain and doubtful about whether or not I can do something. In those moments, I brainstorm what trainings, conferences, and connections I can utilize to help me feel more confident and able to do the task. It's all about pursuing the learning that I need and understanding that I will make mistakes, but the important thing is how I respond to them.