Getting to Know: Lisa Doff
Founder of Mobilize: Community Supported Transportation
While municipal councils in major cities focus on effective and affordable transportation for their citizens, infrastructure in smaller cities often fall by the wayside when it comes to transportation; this is a problem Lisa Doff, founder of Mobilize: Community Supported Transportation, knows all too well. “Many families in our city lack opportunities to get out and explore due to a number of factors — lack of convenient, affordable transportation is a major one. As a result, they remain disconnected from valuable services, outdoor spaces, learning opportunities, and very importantly, other families,” she says. “This venture is designed to bring about a deeper sense of connection for families within our community. The idea is a low-cost, easily accessible shuttle bus service, which takes families where they need to go as well as regular field trips within and outside of the city, allowing opportunities for adventure, learning and connection.
As North American society leans towards the concept of a sharing economy, Lisa realizes that it is this shared experience that brings communities closer together. “I am passionate about fostering greater unity within and between families in our city, especially families who are struggling. I’ve learned that transportation is a challenge for many people here. I’ve also witnessed the power of shared experiences, and how, if strong enough, these experiences result in greater understanding and connection among the people involved,” she states. “I’m passionate about this project because I believe it has the potential to help build stronger, healthier families and to bring greater unity within our city.”
What lead Lisa to start Mobilize? An empathy for social injustice, both on an economic and socio-political level. “A couple of years ago, I found Jacqueline Novogratz’s book, The Blue Sweater at the library and my ideas of how we can help people were seriously shaken up. Her experiences and words had a tremendous impact on the way I thought about how we can support and empower people. I think this was when I started to truly understand and believe that we can play an active role in turning our ideas and dreams of change into a real thing.” She continues by saying, “A personal mentor taught that in order to really connect with people who are in the hardest situations, we need to meet them where they’re at and journey with them. My hope is that this will be so. “
As a young entrepreneur, not only does Lisa recognize the toll financial hurdles have on new organizations — also stating with more funding, she’d like to create a program that provides grants and loans supported by their service, as well as investing in day-to-day resources for families such as education and childcare — she also acknowledges the mental and emotional toll. “Balance and margins and boundaries and mindfulness are all concepts we hear so much these days and it takes a lot of self-discipline, but I believe these are incredibly important practices for the health of an organization and its leaders.”
Mobilize is still a fairly new venture and in the process of setting up their website (launching soon!). In the meantime you can reach Lisa directly for more information (lisa.doff@gmail.com).
Story Written by Erin Ashley
Lisa is a participant in the Hook It Up program delivered by Socent7. Hook It Up is a support program for young social entrepreneurs in Ontario. Learn more at www.hookitup.ca.
**END OF PROGRAM UPDATE** With Hook it Up’s support Lisa delivered an initial pilot program of her offering in September 2016. Her message to other young entrepreneurs: “think creatively about ways to stretch dollars. I have found it helpful to learn how similar ventures are funding their business and considering what may be most affordable and functional. I think it’s valuable to approach business purchases with an eye for quality and consistency as well as a drive to be frugal, and with enough research and planning, I think both can be achieved.”
