Today we’d like to introduce you to Lua Hancock.
Hi Lua, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
30 years ago I graduated from Rollins College. The course content, close relationships with faculty and staff, opportunities like study abroad and independent study, campus leadership and deep peer relationships transformed me! I had never been able to interact with so many people of diverse backgrounds, encounter so many new ideas, and learn about my own values, strengths and goals. When I graduated, I was not sure exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to work to empower and engage youth as my career.
I worked in on campus housing at Nova Southeastern University and completed a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. I was able to eventually serve as the Vice President of Campus Life and Student Success overseeing offices including Career Services, Campus Safety, Student Activities, the Dean of Students, and Community engagement. I loved working side by side with staff, faculty and student leaders to create a caring learning community creating an environment of learning where we asked all to step out of our comfort zones.
Several years ago, I started my own consulting business working with Colleges and Universities around the nation to assess and increase their campus engagement and student success. I have also helped nonprofits to create strategic plans and have coached executive leaders.
For several years, I have been engaged with the work of the Ginsburg Family Foundation that supports the central Florida community in areas including health care and education. I now work as the Executive Director of their Phoenix Generation Program. In this work, we help high school and college students to gain skills and competencies in dialogue and conflict resolution. We challenge them to create relationships with those they may not agree with, stay curious, and discover ways that they can be more impactful as leaders in our community. The Phoenix Generation program is run by youth, for youth and includes 27 fellows working in local high schools and colleges to build community and inspire students. We also have 6 interns who create our marketing, podcast and curriculum. I LOVE THIS WORK! Youth have more capacity than we give them credit for and then they may even believe themselves. We create challenging and joyful spaces to learn and grow together. I feel my work has come full circle when students in our program tell us how they have transformed. In 2026 we will host another local youth leadership conference and aim to have over 1000 students in attendance learning how to rise together!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of my struggles have been self created. At times I over valued being busy and stressed about making sure that everyone likes me. I have learned instead to be grounded and purposeful with my time and energy and to do work that garners respect.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from many other is that I love to work with teenagers and youth in their 20s. I do it in my local community engagement as a member of the Bahai Faith and in my work with the Ginsburg Family Foundation. I specialize in inspiring curiosity, helping youth with clarification about their values and strengths, and tackling big issues while also maintaining hope and joy.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I loved to go to my grandma’s house each summer. We would drive from South Dakota to Texas to spend time with her. I love that she made us milkshakes with a surprise cherry on the bottom and she would take us to the zoo to ride the train. My grandma was the best!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luacoach.com and www.phoenixgeneration.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenix_generation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=phoenix%20generation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luahancock/
