JaLissa Coffee Lyon, M.Ed., is a dynamic leader with a passion for ensuring organizations
operate at their highest potential. With a career spanning education, nonprofit leadership,
operations and logistics, and organizational development, she has dedicated herself to
expanding the capacity and influence of mission-driven organizations through equitable policies
and strategic growth.

JaLissa most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at Homewood Children’s Village,
where she was instrumental in advancing youth-focused initiatives since 2019. Her career
journey began in the classroom after earning a B.A. in Organizational Communications from
Xavier University (OH) and then an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from The University of
Missouri—St. Louis. She has served as an elementary educator, college professor, mentor
teacher, and professional learning community facilitator, always prioritizing the amplification of
youth voices. As she embarks on the next chapter of her career, JaLissa excitedly brings a
visionary mindset, strategic leadership, and an unwavering dedication to empowering young
people and communities.

Lyon enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, and takes great pride in being an
aunt to her 15 nieces and nephews. She and her wife, Alyssa, enjoy traveling, attending
concerts and music festivals, and spoiling their dog, Maya.