The Lotus Founder: Lorri Sulpizio

Lorri Sulpizio, PhD

sulpizio@lotusleadership.net

• Ph.D. University of San Diego, Organizational Leadership
• MA San Diego State University, Exercise Science, Sports Psychology
• BA Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, English, Women's Studies

Lorri Sulpizio has worked with leadership development, gender, and authority for over 10 years in an applied setting and within an academic environment—teaching and conducting research. Sulpizio has spent several years assisting both individuals and groups work toward purpose and develop their capacity for leadership as they meet the demands and manage the tensions of organizational life.

Most recently, Sulpizio has focused her efforts on group relations and systems theory as a way to reframe women’s experience with authority and improve women’s capacity for exercising leadership. In her recent research, on the topic of women in transition to a new position of authority, Sulpizio has developed a model of authority that reflects the experience of women in transition.

Sulpizio has held several roles of authority and has demonstrated her own capacity for leadership. She is currently on the Board of the New Children’s Museum in San Diego, where she served as the Chair of the Education Committee from 2007-2009. Sulpizio sat on the Executive Board of the California Community College Women’s Basketball Association from 2002 – 2006, as well as being member of the Fitness Advisory Council for San Diego Mesa College from 2001-2007.

Sulpizio has also held to role of Head Women’s basketball coach, a position she occupied at San Diego Mesa College from 2001-2007, and most recently, at Cuyamaca College, where she is currently coaching. In this role, Sulpizio has direct experience with authority and leadership dynamics, specifically with college-age women who are transitioning from high school to a university.

Sulpizio has taught Women and Leadership at the University of San Diego, and has been an adjunct faculty at several colleges in San Diego over the past 10 years. Sulpizio also designed and implemented curriculum on feminist thought and empowerment, a workshop for women who were recovering addicts and victims of domestic violence in San Luis Obispo.

Lorri Sulpizio and her partner have three children, Gavin-7, Garrett-4, and Atlanta-20 months. She constantly strives to balance her professional activities with her personal life, keeping her family and children at the center of her priorities. Sulpizio is very committed to fitness and health and competes in triathlons, plays basketball and tennis, and enjoys outdoor activities.

Sulpizio received her BA in English with a minor in Women’s Studies from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, her MA in Physical Education with a focus in Sports Psychology from San Diego State University, and has a PhD in Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Publications & Papers
Presentations