Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Downey

By Megan Maynard

Lisa Downey and her husband, Rich, have been STPS members for three years after joining even before they moved to Brevard County several years ago. Lisa knew she wanted to be involved and through a brief online search found STPS.

Lisa is a true Florida girl who was born in Miami and later worked professionally as an archivist for HBJ Publishing in Orlando. She also worked in the photographic archives of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, FL. The restoration and preservation of history has always fascinated her.

Currently Lisa is involved in STERP, the Sea Turtle Emergency Response Program, and assists with the annual Turtle Krawl 5K event. She also helps the membership director by mailing out new membership packages each month. Years ago, she learned that the collective, ordinary efforts of many can culminate in great things. Making a difference in her area gives her the utmost satisfaction, and she believes the efforts of STPS volunteers in Brevard County have helped the area grow into one renowned for sea turtles and their protection.

Her optimistic outlook is to “just keep swimming.” She has met many people who make her struggles looks minuscule, so she keeps moving forward. Furthermore, she would encourage anyone interested in joining to just do it. Try it. With many opportunities within the organization, you can find a right fit. STPS volunteers educate, rescue, and form mutual partnerships, she says, and Archie Carr put it succinctly when he said all species rely upon the conscience of man. She believes that is what STPS aims to do.