Postscripts 2022

Meet Mayfield’s new Director of Development: Lisa Vandergriff

A SoCal native with deep Pasadena ties

When Lisa Montes Vandergriff moved to Pasadena 25 years ago, she quickly became involved in local nonprofits, volunteering at her daughters’ elementary schools, Chandler and St. Philip the Apostle, as well as at organizations like Kidspace Children’s Museum and Foothill Family Service. This hands-on outreach—and her degree in communications—led to a job as the founding Schools and Community Editor for Outlook Newspapers, where she became immersed in the local nonprofit and educational communities. A natural networker who thrives on connecting people, Lisa segued into fundraising and stewardship roles at Caltech and Westridge School for Girls, where she has spent the last eight years as Alumnae Director. She is excited to continue working to support all-girls education, and looks forward to renewing and expanding her ties in the Mayfield Senior School community. Originally from Agoura Hills, Lisa is a graduate of Calabasas High School and Cal State University, Northridge.

How did you first learn about Mayfield?

I moved to Pasadena 25 years ago, and I was a bit overwhelmed by how many private schools there were. I’d say the real depth of knowledge with the schools came about through my time at the Outlook newspaper [where] I was editing the content for nonprofits and schools. I came to know Mayfield through the news that was coming in, from events to sports, and just really finding out the personality of the school. I was always impressed by Mayfield students and graduates. I think the best thing about actually working in the environment of all-girls schools is that you see the value of single-sex education and you see the product of your good work. I’m a strong proponent of women and education—I think it is so important. When you’re shaping young women at such a crucial age and putting all of your energy into that, that is something special.

What excites you about being part of a faith-based community?

I was raised Catholic, and my kids were baptized at and went to St. Philip’s. I actually like the fact that faith is part of the education and part of the school’s vision at Mayfield. I find that helps create a whole individual as far as values and the development of a child. I was really happy when [my two daughters] were getting full-time religious education at St. Philip’s rather than just through a side class, like the CCD [catechism program]. I am the product of CCD! But when faith is part of the daily experience, I think those values get ingrained more naturally.

What brought you to development work initially, and what inspires you about it?

After working in TV production and then having kids, my reentry into the workforce came through volunteering, and I parlayed that into development work. I always loved events, and loved to plan a party, so to fundraise in that manner seemed natural. I liked to be able to bring my writing skills to the table. I’m also a natural connector, and networking is one of my favorite parts of that. I think development combines all of those things. I think the key for me is you really have to be behind the organization that you’re fundraising for. I’ve worked at different nonprofits, Foothill Family being one example, supporting women and children and getting them out of domestic violence situations. You have to believe in the mission, and I think it’s a gift to be able to work hard towards something that is meaningful to you. I wholeheartedly believe in girls’ education, and to be able to get behind that is just so exciting.

As you start in this position at Mayfield, what are you looking forward to taking on?

I think there are so many great people and connections within this community. And I feel like I’ve just only dipped a toe in. I am looking forward to strengthening or renewing ties for people who maybe haven’t had reason to stay connected. I think there’s so many great things on the horizon for Mayfield. You obviously just completed this wonderful renovation of Strub Hall. I’d love to welcome people back to see that, to take pride in that. Also, with the 75th anniversary [of the school’s Bellefontaine campus] coming up, I think there’s so much to celebrate, so much history. And there’s going to be a new Head of School soon, and I think that’s a new opportunity to reengage with the community. Those are really great opportunities on their own, but when you combine all those together, it’s really powerful. So I just think there’s a lot of really exciting growth opportunities, and I’m excited to be part of that growth, and help grow the network between current parents, past parents, alums and grandparents. I’m just really excited about all the things that are to come!