The Warner Foundation is a family foundation created by Lisa Warner Wardell with the help of her adult children, Michael Andre Pickrum II and Isaac Alexander Pickrum. The foundation is dedicated to Robert Alexander Warner, Lisa’s late father and the boys’ grandfather, who dedicated his life to giving back to others who needed a helping hand. Robert (affectionately known as “Bob”) also instilled the biblical value “Unto whom much is given, much is required.” The Warner Foundation puts that value into action by giving to causes in two distinct areas: Education and Climate Crisis. As a family we believe that there are no societal issues with greater impact on how we both live and leave the world for the generations to come. Listed below are current causes we support:
Read Lisa’s bio
Lisa Warner Wardell is a business executive with more than 25 years of experience managing business strategy, operations, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, while driving shareholder value, stakeholder engagement and company mission.
After a successful five-year run as Adtalem Global Education Inc.’s (NYSE: ATGE) president and
CEO (2016 – 2019) and then CEO and Chairman (2020 – 2021) Wardell became the Executive Chairman (2021-2022), and Chairman (2022). During her tenure as CEO, Wardell oversaw the strategic repositioning of Adtalem’s portfolio to focus on healthcare and medical education by successfully acquiring Walden University, overseeing growth of Chamberlain from a nursing college to a university with significant new programs; and integrating and completing a successful sale of Adtalem’s financial services companies. In addition, she led turnarounds and divestitures of Adtalem’s non-core assets. Through her commitment to consistent performance and positive social impact, Wardell’s leadership has resulted in superior outcomes for Adtalem’s students and significant value creation for shareholders and has positioned the company for long- term sustainable growth. Wardell has also led the higher education sector in implementing new standards of transparency and financial literacy, and in cultivating quality partnerships to fill critical healthcare workforce needs.
Prior to Adtalem, Wardell was executive vice president and chief operating officer for The RLJ Companies. During her tenure at RLJ, Wardell managed acquisitions and executed the formation of RML Automotive, a dealership network spanning seven states with over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. She also worked extensively in the media, entertainment, sports, gaming, and hotel industries which included assisting with the founding and managing of Our Stories Films Studio, acquisition of the Charlotte Hornets (previously Charlotte Bobcats), standing up a $250 MM private equity fund, acquiring and expanding a community bank, and developing a hotel in Liberia, West Africa. Wardell also served on the board of the NBAPA, Inc., the for-profit portion of the NBA Players Association from 2018 to 2021.
Prior to joining The RLJ Companies, Wardell was a principal at Katalyst Venture Partners, and a senior consultant for Accenture in the communications and technology practice.
Wardell earned her bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and her law degree from Stanford Law School. She earned her MBA in finance and entrepreneurial management from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Wardell served on the board of Lowes, Inc. (NYSE:
LOW) from 2018 – 2021. She currently serves on the boards of American Express (NYSE: AXP), and Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE). A fierce advocate for access to education and healthcare at scale across diverse communities, Wardell frequently speaks on empowering students and executives to achieve their goals. Wardell supports the Alvin Ailey Foundation, After School Matters, and various other non-profits through her family foundation. Wardell is a member of the board of the Economic Club of Chicago, The Business Council, and Univar Solutions. Wardell has been featured on CNBC and Cheddar as well as in The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Business Insider, Black Enterprise, and several other publications.
After School Matters is a non-profit organization that provides Chicago high school teens with after school and summer opportunities. It offers project-based after school and summer programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM. The Warner Foundation is proud to be a founding sponsor of the ASM at Gately Park and the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center in Chicago, Illinois.
For further information: afterschoolmatters.org
Alvin Ailey Dance Company is world-renowned for performances that uplift the African American experience and inspire audiences everywhere, from New York to cities around the globe. Since 1958, Ailey makes performing arts education possible for African American students. The Warner Foundation is a proud co-host and sponsor of the annual Alvin Ailey Gala at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
For further information: ailey.org
Warner Foundation Scholarship Fund
The Warner Foundation provides scholarships to college and university students whose extenuating life circumstances make finishing their college education challenging due to financial issues. Scholarships are awarded on a case by case and rolling calendar basis.
Climate Crisis
The Warner Foundation reviews applications for donations to organizations involved in actively combatting the climate crisis. Preference will be given to those organizations directly impacting the United States and the Caribbean, and education and awareness of climate issues.
