Image Commercially Licensed From: Unsplash

Lisa Winters, New York-based social worker and advocate, boasts an illustrious career spanning over three decades, dedicated to serving underserved populations. After obtaining her Master’s in Social Work from Hunter College School in 1990, she embarked on a journey to make a difference at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. As the Project Director for the PCAP program, Lisa Winters, New York professional, championed the needs of low-income women, children, and AIDS patients in the South Bronx.

A continuous learner, Lisa enhanced her ability to assist her clientele by acquiring a Juris Doctorate from CUNY School of Law in 2000. This education paved the way for her to represent clients at Binder & Binder as a Social Security Disability Advocate, dealing with cases at both the Federal and Appellate levels. Her commitment to community health later led her to direct an outpatient substance abuse treatment program in East Harlem at the Exodus Transitional Community Center.

Lisa’s personal journey, rooted in Riverdale Bronx as the eldest child of Nelsia and Bob Lehrer, instilled in her a profound love for horses and the intricate art of dressage. Beyond her professional endeavors, Lisa Winters, New York advocate, demonstrated her deep compassion through her work in animal welfare. In 2017, she founded Little Wanderers, a non-profit dedicated to alleviating the plight of stray and feral cats, primarily in The Bronx. Under her guidance, this organization has rescued over 6,000 cats, relying solely on the dedication of volunteers and an impressive annual budget.

An Insightful In-Depth Q&A With New York’s Lisa Winters 

Lisa, with over 30 years in social work, what inspired you to dedicate your life to underserved populations?

Lisa Winters: My passion has always been to serve those in need. Early in my career at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, I saw firsthand the challenges faced by low-income women, children, and AIDS patients in the South Bronx. These experiences solidified my commitment to making a tangible difference in their lives.

You transitioned from social work to law. What motivated this shift, and how did it enhance your advocacy work?

Lisa Winters: I believed that with a legal education, I could more effectively advocate for my patients and clients. After earning my Juris Doctorate, I represented individuals in their disability appeals at the Federal and Appellate levels. This dual expertise allowed me to navigate the system better and provide comprehensive support.

Your bio mentions a love for horses and dressage. How has this passion influenced your life?

Lisa Winters: Growing up in Riverdale, Bronx, I developed an affinity for horses. Dressage became a passion in my young adult years. It taught me discipline, patience, and the value of a deep connection with another being – principles I carry into my advocacy work.

Tell us about Little Wanderers. How did you transition from human-focused advocacy to animal rescue?

Lisa Winters: Throughout my life, I’ve been involved in various community projects. My love for animals, combined with witnessing the suffering of stray and feral cats, especially in The Bronx, led me to form Little Wanderers in 2017. It’s an extension of my broader commitment to vulnerable populations, whether human or animal.

Since the inception of Little Wanderers, over 6,000 cats have been rescued. What’s the vision for the future of this organization?

Lisa Winters: Our mission is to continue addressing the suffering of these cats, focusing on expanding our reach and impact. With an entirely volunteer-driven model and an ever-growing annual budget, we hope to rescue more cats, raise awareness, and work toward a future where every animal has a safe and loving home.

Lastly, given your vast experience in different sectors, what message would you give to aspiring social workers or advocates?

Lisa Winters: Stay committed, continuously learn, and find intersections in your passions. Whether it’s advocating for human rights, healthcare, or animal welfare, remember that at the heart of it all is compassion and the drive to make a difference.

Key Takeaways

• Multifaceted Advocacy: Lisa Winters’ dedication to underserved populations stems from her early experiences at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, where she saw the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Her transition from social work to law, after earning her Juris Doctorate, allowed her to bolster her advocacy efforts, navigating complex systems to provide comprehensive support.
• Passions as Guiding Principles: Beyond her professional endeavors, Lisa’s personal passions, particularly her love for dressage, have instilled discipline, patience, and the value of deep connections in her. These principles have significantly influenced her advocacy work. Moreover, her love for animals led her to create Little Wanderers, an organization focused on rescuing stray and feral cats, especially in The Bronx, which reflects her commitment to all vulnerable populations.
• Continuous Learning and Compassion: With experience spanning different sectors, Lisa emphasizes the importance of commitment, continuous learning, and finding overlaps in individual passions. Her advice to aspiring advocates and social workers highlights that compassion is central to advocacy, whether in human rights, healthcare, or animal welfare.