Meet Lisa Caron!
For the past year, Lisa has been managing the student outreach team at Conversations to Remember.
She first discovered the organization through a job posting on LinkedIn. After speaking with our leadership, Lisa stepped into a role that perfectly blends her passion for mentoring, community building, and supporting older adults.
When Lisa learned about Conversations to Remember, she was immediately drawn to the organization’s mission of connecting generations. At the same time, her daughter was preparing to enter college, and Lisa found herself deeply engaged in the concept of students navigating higher education. The opportunity to support both college students and older adults felt like a natural fit. “It really seemed like something that aligned with who I am: mentoring students while also learning more about the challenges facing the aging population.”
Lisa officially joined Conversations to Remember about a year ago and has since played an integral role in strengthening the organization’s outreach efforts. Early on, much of her focus involved learning and analyzing outreach data, which involved understanding how volunteers connected with colleges and universities, how information was tracked, and how feedback could be used to improve the process. As she worked closely with Conversations to Remember management and the outreach team, Lisa was instrumental in providing feedback and changes to improve user experience. Through collaboration and feedback, the outreach process was transformed. A new automated system replaced repetitive copy-and-paste emailing, reducing errors and saving volunteers’ time. This shift allowed outreach volunteers to focus on deeper engagement, ensuring emails were reaching the right audiences and helping students grow within their roles. Lisa also created job aids and tools to support volunteers, offering guidance on best practices and helping them think beyond the basics of outreach work.
Over time, her role expanded further. Lisa began interviewing and onboarding new volunteers. She emphasizes that outreach volunteering isn’t just about sending emails; it’s about building relationships, developing transferable skills, and creating professional networks that can support students long after their time with Conversations to Remember.
When asked about her most meaningful experiences, Lisa doesn’t point to a single moment. She humbly states that she is not the type to need a lot of thank-yous or accolades to see the impact of her work. Instead, she highlights the quiet victories, including seeing volunteers step outside their comfort zones, grow more confident, and recognize their own potential. “When someone reaches beyond what they thought they were capable of, that’s incredibly rewarding,” she shared. “Even a small ‘thank you’ or hearing that someone learned something new makes it all worth it.”
Lisa also sees firsthand the powerful impact Conversations to Remember has on seniors. As communities naturally become smaller with age, many older adults experience increasing isolation. The virtual visits and connections offered through the program provide something invaluable: variety, companionship, and something to look forward to. For students, the benefits are just as significant. Lisa encourages volunteers to view their roles as opportunities for growth: to build resumes, expand networks, and explore interests that may shape their future careers.
Looking ahead, Lisa plans to stay involved with Conversations to Remember long-term. She deeply values the organization’s flexibility, understanding, and supportive work culture, especially as she balances family responsibilities alongside her volunteer work. “There’s space here to communicate what you can contribute, to adjust when needed, and to continue growing,” she said. “That’s what makes this organization so special.”
There’s space here to communicate what you can contribute, to adjust when needed, and to continue growing. That’s what makes this organization so special.
Lisa Caron
For anyone considering joining Conversations to Remember, Lisa’s advice is simple but powerful: be open. If one role doesn’t feel like the right fit, ask questions, explore other opportunities, and speak up about your interests. “Take advantage of what’s here,” she encourages. “Build connections, try new things, and don’t be afraid to step outside the box.” Lisa also stressed the importance of professional development and champions the use of platforms for professional development, such as LinkedIn, which she continues to promote as a powerful networking tool. She encourages those around her to stay connected on the platform and take advantage of the opportunities that come their way.
Lisa’s journey is a testament to how meaningful impact can happen behind the scenes – through mentorship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to bringing people together across generations. We are lucky to have you, Lisa!
