How Volunteer Lisa Carter Makes Cybersecurity Manageable for Nonprofits
When it comes to sharing expertise, building relationships and giving back to the nonprofit community, Lisa Carter, CEO of SpartanTec embodies what it means to be an Apparo volunteer. A cybersecurity professional with decades of experience, Lisa has dedicated her time and knowledge to helping nonprofits strengthen their technology practices while empowering nonprofit leaders to grow their confidence and skills.
Lisa first connected with Apparo through professional outreach and her involvement with CyberSC. After reconnecting with Apparo through Jennifer Ray, she found opportunities to put her expertise to work in meaningful ways. Since then, she has participated in Apparo podcasts, cybersecurity cohorts, nonprofit training and mentoring opportunities, bringing both technical knowledge and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.
Most recently, Lisa has served as a mentor through Apparo’s G.A.I.N. program, working with Sarah Fortner of Caterpillar Ministries. Based in Huntersville, Caterpillar Ministries supports families in the Huntington Green community through education, advocacy, food and housing support, tutoring and other practical resources. Through G.A.I.N., Lisa has helped Sarah think through cybersecurity, IT strategy, technology policies and more sustainable systems to support the organization’s growing work.
“I had the opportunity to teach her about IT and give her things to think about, but she’s also teaching me. She’s so relaxed and easy to talk to. She’s teaching me how to interact with people in a different way too.”
That mutual learning is one of the reasons Lisa finds volunteering so meaningful. Throughout her career in cybersecurity, she has learned that effective communication is just as important as technical expertise. Working with nonprofit leaders has helped her become even better at translating complex technology concepts into practical, understandable guidance.
Beyond her work with Caterpillar Ministries, Lisa has contributed her expertise through Apparo’s Cox and LexisNexis Cybersecurity cohorts. In these cohorts, she has helped nonprofits better understand cybersecurity risks, strengthen policies and identify practical next steps. She has also developed and delivered cybersecurity awareness training for a nonprofit organization, an experience that challenged her in a new way and helped her grow as a leader.
“This helped me grow as a leader as well,” Lisa reflected.
Apparo’s Jennifer Ray has seen firsthand how Lisa’s expertise and approach benefit nonprofit organizations.
“Lisa brings deep technical expertise, a kind heart, and a genuine commitment to help the nonprofit community. She helps nonprofits understand technology challenges and cybersecurity vulnerabilities and provides them with practical, manageable steps to make improvements and reduce risk, always with patience, clarity, and an appreciation for the realities of resource-limited organizations.”
For Lisa, volunteering is deeply connected to her personal values. In addition to Apparo, she volunteers with CyberSC and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. She believes that giving back creates opportunities not only to help others, but also to build meaningful relationships and gain new perspectives.
One of the aspects Lisa appreciates most about Apparo is the opportunity to connect with mission-driven nonprofit leaders who are deeply committed to serving their communities. She finds inspiration in their dedication and values the chance to support organizations that are creating positive change.
“I truly enjoy working with Apparo because every opportunity is a chance to share what I know, learn from others and support people who are deeply committed to their communities. The experience has helped me grow as a leader, build meaningful relationships, and make technology and cybersecurity feel more manageable for nonprofits. It has simply been a good experience, and I would absolutely do it again.”
Lisa’s impact extends beyond the nonprofits she directly serves. She has become a strong advocate for Apparo’s mission, recommending the organization to clients and peers and helping expand awareness of the resources and expertise Apparo provides to the nonprofit community.
As technology continues to evolve, Lisa remains passionate about helping nonprofits navigate challenges ranging from cybersecurity preparedness to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Her willingness to share knowledge, embrace new challenges and invest in the success of others exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that powers Apparo’s work.
We are grateful for Lisa’s continued partnership, leadership, and generosity. Volunteers like Lisa help strengthen nonprofits, empower community leaders, and advance Apparo’s mission of transforming communities through technology and volunteer expertise.
Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your time, talent, and passion with Apparo and the nonprofit organizations we serve.
Share your skills. Strengthen our community.
Interested in volunteering? Find out how here.
