Lisa Cantu-Parks

Lisa Cantu-Parks is the Vice President for Development at UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza), where she leads fundraising efforts for UnidosUS’s core operations. She is responsible for managing the Resource Development team to ensure success in meeting annual fundraising goals and collaborates with colleagues on special campaigns and institutional funding projects.

For more than 20 years, Lisa has been dedicated to non-profit fundraising at Children’s National Hospital, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, and most recently served as Vice President of Philanthropy at Refugees International. During her career, she has participated in three comprehensive campaigns raising $75 million, $300 million, and $500 million.

Lisa has led teams overseeing major gift, principal gift, special event, corporate, foundation, and community fundraising. She has also been a leader in implementing DEI strategies and practices in the workplace, and co-chaired Refugees International’s inaugural DEI Committee.

Lisa holds a B.A. and a master’s degree in public administration from James Madison University.