Lisa Mae Brunson

Lisa Mae Brunson is a multifaceted professional who joined Duke Corporate Education as a Duke Corporate Educator in September 2023.3 She is a creative visionary, speaker, author, and social innovation architect with a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and humanity.12

Professional Background

Brunson is the founder and director of Wonder Women Tech Foundation, an organization dedicated to highlighting, celebrating, educating, and amplifying women, BIPOC, and underrepresented groups in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) and Innovation.3 She also hosts the Wonder Women Tech Show Podcast and has been involved in various initiatives to promote inclusivity and innovation.2

Roles and Achievements

• Duke Corporate Educator: At Duke Corporate Education, Brunson specializes in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging), leadership, hiring practices, cultivating joy, and the future of work.3

• Chair, Commission for Technology and Innovation: Appointed by the Mayor of Long Beach, Brunson has served on this commission since 2016 and was elected as Chair in January 2023.3

• Speaker and Program Producer: Brunson works with Fortune 500 companies, government entities, schools, universities, and organizations to address challenges related to inclusion, discrimination, systemic racism, and gender parity.3

Recognition

Brunson has received several accolades for her work, including:

• Named one of the "100 Powerful Women" in the 2019 Oct/Nov issue of Entrepreneur Magazine
• Included in the 2019 "Create & Cultivate 100" List
• Winner of Long Beach Post's "40 Under 40" in 2017
• Received an award from Congressman Alan Lowenthal for inspiring middle school students through STEAM career fairs2

Personal Background

As a Black, Latina, and Indigenous woman, Brunson brings a unique perspective to her work in diversity and inclusion.12 She is known for her "Love, Hugs, and Inspiration Campaign," through which she has hugged over 13,000 people since 2007.2