Who Are We?
We support and empower students who make their communities a better place
In Memory of Alisa:
Alisa Michelle Wallendorf was a compassionate and caring teen who lost her life at 15 in a tragic car wreck. During her short life, Alisa showed us the impact a single person can have by caring for others because “that is what we were put on earth to do.”
Alisa’s Angels was created by her father, Kirk Wallendorf, to carry on her spirit. Inspired by Alisa, we are committed to creating a ripple effect of caring.
We award scholarships to graduating high school seniors who make their communities better, and support them with mentoring. Through this support, the memory of Alisa’s laughter, faith, hope and love can bring happiness and joy to others.
"My dream is to graduate from school, go to college and become a better person, someone who would be able to help other people"
-Okongo, Scholarship Recipient, 2009
Kirk Wallendorf, Founder and President
Kirk created Alisa’s Angels in 2005 as a way of carrying on the faith, hope and love of Alisa, his youngest daughter. Kirk is a retired major in the United States Air Force.
Liz Wallendorf, Board Chair, Gala Committee Chair
Liz has been involved in Alisa's Angels since its inception and is currently the Board Chair. Liz is a former major in the United States Air Force. She has also worked in information technology planning and program management for Tucson city government; and as a director for government education events for a private company.
Michael Smith, Treasurer, Finance Committee
Michael is a tax supervisor with Beach Fleischman. He has a Master of Accountancy from New Mexico State University.
Board of Directors
Advisors
Meet The Team
Staff
Jarrett Ransom,
Interim ED
Jarrett brings 20+ years of nonprofit leadership, helping Alisa's Angels prepare for the future. Nonprofits are her passion and she has served as Interim CEO for multiple charities in her career.
Shannon Anderson, Communications Committee, Colorado Expansion
Shannon is an entrepreneur and Social Enterprise development expert. Since graduating as Student of the Year, with honors, from University of Colorado in 2014, she has assisted several for-profit and non-profit entities alike in developing and implementing socially responsible business models, practices and policies that not only aim to generate financial returns, but social and environmental returns as well.
Zoe Burcham,
Communications Committee
As a Chicago native (or where she claims to be from), Zoë is an alumna of The University of Illinois at Chicago, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a minor in German. Zoë comes to the board with experience in many different areas, a true jack of all trades! Her personal motto is anything worth doing, is worth doing right. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Arizona and traveling with her husband Sean and daughter Bennett.
Rudy Padilla,
Scholarship Committee
Rudy is a 2007 Alisa's Angels scholarship recipient. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law in 2014. Rudy is currently on active duty as a JAG in the United States Air Force and a civil rights investigator at the University of Arizona. Prior to that he was a deputy county attorney at the Pima County Attorney's Office.
Ed Rios,
Colorado Expansion
Ed is a retired colonel in the United States Air Force, and is the CEO of CSOC, one of Alisa’s Angels partners. He has 26 years of military service in space operations, special technical operations and command/control; and 10 years of corporate experience. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO.
Pat Lopez,
Legal Adviser
Pat Lopez is a senior partner at Rusing, Lopez & Lizardi, PLLC. He volunteers his time as the legal adviser for Alisa’s Angels. Pat has over 30 years of experience in counseling and assisting businesses, entrepreneurs, lenders, and developers to reach their goals, solve their problems, and implement their business plans. He is active in the community and has volunteered with organizations such as The First Tee, Arizona Land and Water Trust, formerly Arizona Open Land Trust, Salpointe school board, Perimeter Bicycle Association (non-profit charitable organization and sponsor of “El Tour de Tucson” bicycle race), and Chinanos por la Causa.
Dan Nentl,
CFS, ChFC, Investment Adviser
Dan Nentl is a partner with Ironwood Financial, LLC. Dan and Ironwood volunteer their services to manage the Alisa’s Angels investment account, the Angel Fund. Dan volunteers for numerous causes in the community, including the Boys & Girls Club, Wee Works and the Centurions. He is the founder of Rollin for Ninos.
