The Greatest Boss Contest Runner-Up
Lisa Cook
Executive Director
Ku Aloha Ola Mau
Honolulu, HI
Non-Profit/Government Organizations Category
Nomination Essay
Who likes their boss? Who respects their boss? I wouldn’t be surprised if many people roll their eyes at this comment or laugh in anger and sadness. For the typical 9-5 worker, a boss is a boss and nothing more.
At Ku Aloha Ola Mau we have more than a boss. We have a fighter and advocate. Ku Aloha Ola Mau has the great honor of having Lisa Cook as their Executive Director. Lisa Cook truly embodies the ideal boss. She is patient but attentive. She is strong and sensitive. She is modest but firm and confident with decisions. Most of all, Lisa understands how people should be treated. She invests her time and energy equally amongst us all.
Without her, this organization would not flourish. Without her, many of us could not make mistakes and grow personally and professionally. Her open door policy allows people to feel comfortable and reassured. She is the type of person who would drop everything she is doing just to lend an ear or a hand. Ultimately and genuinely, she wants to help everyone succeed in life including staff and Haumana. She does not care where you come from. Lisa cares about the individual and sees the individual for who they truly are. She goes beyond the homelessness, the drugs and the morals. Lisa nourishes the soul with caring and compassionate cultural and spiritual approaches. Lisa’s optimistic and positive attitude has provided the staff with a motivating and encouraging environment.
One staff member expressed gratitude for being allowed to pursue her educational goals and still work: “When I informed Lisa I was accepted to the PsyD program she was very supportive and said we will make this work. I was concerned about keeping my job, however she said she will do whatever she can to be sure I will complete my educational goals and still work as I am a single parent. She also allows me to bring in my son during his intercession breaks and this saves me money on child care.”
Working at a drug treatment facility is challenging and stressful. When it comes to stress and disappointment, Lisa leaves this out of her vocabulary and her life. A staff member commented: “Lisa’s attitude and personality are like no other. I always see her smiling and saying hello to people. The second day I started, she told me that she was so happy to have me here and I was doing a great life. In all my life and jobs, I had never been told such a thing. She motivates me to think more positive and look at life through a spiritual window. She is the best boss I have ever had”.
Lisa is truly a model boss. She leads with a compelling mission and vision for Ku Aloha Ola Mau and continues to strive forward and implement change in the drug treatment industry. She has given the people of Hawaii, our Haumana a voice. Her education is high and commendable but her actions and tenacity is even greater and desired by all. She is an educator, a confidant and our leader. We will always love her and she will always love us.
