Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Goodman.
Lisa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Lisa Goodman is the Executive Director of Wilderness Southeast (WiSE), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the natural world to inspire lifelong environmental stewardship. Founded in 1973, WiSE is a trailblazer in environmental education and ecotourism on the Georgia Coast.
Lisa joined WiSE four years ago and has been a strong advocate for funding and expanding its hands-on environmental education program, Fish Gotta Swim© (FGS). FGS is a grant- and donation-funded public school program designed to enrich science education and spark excitement about outdoor learning, with a particular focus on students in underserved communities.
From Savannah, Georgia, and Hilton Head Island, SC, Lisa brings a diverse professional background in culinary arts, marketing, journalism, and graphic design. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Georgia (1997) and a César Ritz Diploma from the École Ritz Escoffier in Paris, France (1999).
For 30 years, Lisa’s family owned and operated The Gingerbread House, one of Savannah’s most distinctive event venues. She joined the business full time after completing college and culinary school, and later transitioned into a career in culinary sales. Through the lens of food distribution and sourcing, Lisa became increasingly aware of the environmental degradation and animal suffering linked to human consumption—an awakening that reshaped her professional path.
This insight led Lisa to pursue volunteer and professional roles in environmental conservation, including serving as a coordinator for the Savannah Earth Day Festival and as a project manager for the Town of Thunderbolt, where she conducted research and development for an interactive STEM-based ecology center. She also organized and led “Fork to Farm” tours to connect participants with the origins of our food supply.
In her spare time, Lisa has served as an art teacher with Loop It Up Savannah, the city’s community art program, and has volunteered with numerous organizations, including Citizen Advocacy, Oceana Georgia, One Hundred Miles, Healthy Savannah, the Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council, and the Forsyth Farmers Market. She is also a Director Emeritus of the Caretta Research Project, a hands-on research, conservation, and education program dedicated to studying and protecting Loggerhead Sea Turtles on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge.
Lisa is a wife and the mother of a 16-year-old son. One of her greatest joys is sharing the wonders of the natural world with her son and fostering the same sense of curiosity and stewardship that guides her work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Becoming a parent reshaped my priorities and strengthened my desire to protect the natural world—not just for today, but for future generations. It inspired me to align my work with my values and led me to the purpose-driven career I pursue now: Fostering environmental stewardship and expanding access to hands-on education for children, especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wilderness Southeast?
For 52 years, WiSE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been steadfast in its mission to develop an awareness, appreciation, and understanding of the natural world, thus instilling a sense of stewardship.
Through fun and safe outdoor activities, our discovery trips feature expert naturalist guides, water craft, and equipment to illuminate the magic of the Georgia Coast. We tailor experiences for families, schools, and groups of all ages, allowing participants to connect with the environment and each other.
Fish Gotta Swim© is our flagship program providing dynamic, educational experiences in nature for underserved youth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that passion and faith, when paired with perseverance, can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be—even if the path isn’t clear at the start. Trusting my values, staying open to growth, and allowing life experiences—especially motherhood—to guide my choices ultimately brought me to work that feels deeply meaningful and impactful.
Pricing:
- Blackwater Paddle at Ebenezer Creek: $200 for first two participants; $75 each additional
- Wild Island Exploration (Motorboat Tour): 1-2 people: $440; $30 each additional
- Salt Marsh Kayak Tour: $200 for 1-2 people; $75 each additional
- Alligators & Friends Tour: $175 for 1-2 people; $30 each additional
- Custom Field Trips (Beach Ecology, etc.): $10 per person, minimum 20 participants
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wilderness-southeast.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_southeast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildernessSoutheast/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildernesssoutheast9719
