Mitchell & Lisa Fuerst: A community-minded couple leads the way
Mitchell and Lisa Fuerst, simply put, make the world a better place. Individually successful, together they have become a philanthropic powerhouse and a force for good. Both smart, ambitious, and dynamic leaders, Mitchell and Lisa have earned the titles of president and vice president, respectively, for their business. Both determined, they exhibit strengths derived from very different life experiences.
MITCHELL
Born, raised, and educated in West Covina, Mitchell sustains a noteworthy passion for the San Gabriel Valley. As president of North-West College, a system of allied health colleges with 11 campuses throughout Southern California, Mitchell learned about philanthropy from his mother Marsha, who founded the college in 1966. The college has been an integral part of the community for decades, and Mitchell is committed to preserving his mother’s legacy. Beloved community philanthropist, the late Vince Capitano also served as a mentor and is the reason Mitchell found his way as a volunteer on the Emanate Health Foundation Board of Trustees.
As the demands on Mitchell’s time increased, he passed the torch to Lisa and feels that she is right for the times. “As an Hispanic businesswoman in the regional health care industry, Lisa knows the hospitals’ service area and the value that they deliver to the community. She brings her entrepreneurial spirit to her leadership role at Emanate Health Foundation. We are involved because Emanate Health is important to us. We simply want people to have access to quality health care in our community.” Both Mitchell and Lisa understand the increasingly important role philanthropy plays in health care, both in providing access and keeping up with the growing expenses related to operational costs, technology, and pharmaceuticals.
LISA
Lisa, current Emanate Health Foundation Board of Trustees chairwoman, remembers a childhood where health care was a luxury. Her mother, a proud woman with an incredible work ethic, struggled daily to provide a home for her family. When the family could no longer afford their home, Lisa went to live with her grandmother, who eventually doled out silver dollars from her precious collection in order for Lisa to have gas money to travel to and from North-West College as a student. Many years later, by serendipity, Lisa met Mitchell and they later married.
After graduation, Lisa became an entrepreneur, built a successful medical billing company, and eventually became North-West College’s vice president. She feels strengthened by her past and appreciates the life she has with Mitchell and their two children, Matthew and Farrah. Lisa’s gratitude heightens her desire to give back: “I am very proud to be a part of the Emanate Health Family, including the Foundation Board. I want to have an impact.”
INCREASING HER LEADERSHIP ROLE
As Emanate Health Foundation embarks on an ambitious $25 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, Lisa knew that she had to step up to the plate one more time. She will serve as the Executive Chair for the campaign, working closely with each of the four Ambassador-Co-Chairs, one representing each hospital, as well as one for hospice and home care, to maximize fundraising efforts.
“More than two years into a global pandemic has created a series of unknowns in philanthropy. While some segments have done well, others have seen a significant drop off. Although filled with uncertainty, this opportunity truly excites me and I hope others join us in supporting this important campaign,” Lisa said.
“Emanate Health is truly experiencing a renaissance with exciting expansion projects, state-of-the-art technology, and cutting edge health care programs. Mitchell and I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and we’re committed to increasing access to health care in this community and providing the world-class care that they so richly deserve.”
