Lisa Varela Boli '95 knows firsthand how impactful a Jesuit education can be. "As a former financial aid recipient, someone invested in me, and this investment has given me the opportunity to succeed in college and the world of business."
Lisa grew up in Beaverton and attended Valley Catholic for elementary and middle school. When Jesuit turned co-ed in the mid-'90s, Lisa was among the first pioneering classes of young women to join the school. She transferred to Jesuit as a junior following her two brothers, Oscar '91 and Troy '94.
"It was both exciting and challenging to be a member of one of the first co-ed classes," says Lisa. "I felt like a real trailblazer paving the way for future women to thrive at a school that had very recently been completely male."
Lisa credits her Jesuit education for her ability to "think outside the box" and with helping her to develop skills in leadership and commitment to serve others. She loved Jesuit's strong sense of community and devotion to Ignatian spirituality. Some of her greatest memories of her high school years stem back to her experiences with Jesuit's theater programs, where she worked with drama directors Jeff Hall and Elaine Kloser on productions like "Godspell" and "Little Shop of Horrors."
Soon after graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in marketing, Lisa began to give back to her high school alma mater and she continues to do so on an annual basis. "I believe it is my responsibility to give back to the school which has given so much to me."
Lisa Varela Boli lives in Fremont, California, with her husband, Andrew, and three children. She works as an executive producer of films and commercials for Logitech, a computer accessories and software manufacturer.
If you, too, feel led to pay forward the Jesuit experience for future generations, you can do so with a gift in your estate plan. Contact Diane Salzman at 503-291-5497 or development@jesuitportland.org to get started.