Weaving PP into the Science of Collaboration - FPF with Lisa Mueller
Event Details
Hi CAPPsters, Join me to welcome Lisa Mueller to Final Project Friday! As the COO of a collaborative organization, Lisa’s used to the realities of working with non-profits, government agencies, and businesses! As a grant writer and manager, she decided to pull positive psychology principles into her organization, MC2 Collaborative, to foster an environment where funding success and human flourishing go hand in hand.
About Lisa (CAPP.112)
Top VIA Character Strengths
- Honesty, Kindness, Humor, and Fairness
If I could sit down with a PP researcher
- I’d sit down with Brene Brown – I would ask, “May I have permission to be a fly on her/the wall?” I want to be present. Be a silent observer and gain authentic insights without influencing the environment. I love the idea of capturing genuine behaviors, interactions and subtle dynamics often missed by actively participating.
Where I’ll be on my PP journey in 5 years
- In five years, the goal is to have left a lasting impact on the lives of people through positive psychology, both locally and within broader professional circles. Contributing to new research and integrating evidence-based practices into economic development initiatives will further strengthen the field. Recognition as a practitioner and thought leader in the community and economic development world is central—aiming to be sought out for expertise, collaboration, and facilitation of programs that cultivate resilience, well-being, and thriving organizations.
What inspired my final project
My final project was inspired by the realities of working with organizations—non-profits, government agencies, and businesses—where leaders often hear “no” more than “yes” when seeking, saving, or securing funding. As a grant writer and project manager at this intersection, I’m driven by the challenge to not only pursue resources but also help others become resilient and solution-focused through the tools of positive psychology. My goal is to integrate the Flourishing Center’s methods and become a practitioner of applied positive psychology, using these principles to support both the tangible and intangible infrastructure that helps communities thrive.
Bio
Lisa Mueller is the Chief Operations Officer for MC2 Collaborative, with headquarters in Sheridan, Wyoming. She joined the MC2 team more than five years ago after collaborating on strategic projects with MC2 Engineering for nearly ten years. Today, Lisa helps lead the growth of MC2 Collaborative—the umbrella organization encompassing divisions in engineering, construction and design, real estate and land, and resource acquisition and government affairs.In simple terms, she helps organizations seek, save, and secure funding.
MC2 Collaborative has become recognized across the region for combining technical expertise with funding strategy. As the new steward of Sheridan’s historic Old Eagles building—soon to be revitalized into MC2’s headquarters—the company continues to anchor its vision of connecting identified community needs with available resources. Collectively, the MC2 team brings over 200 years of experience working across multiple states to build funding capacity, organizational strength, and sustainable business strategies.Lisa describes herself not as a grant writer, but as a funding strategist. With deep experience in federal and state funding, she helps rural communities, nonprofits, and businesses move beyond the transactional approach of securing grants to instead design lasting financial strategies. Her goal is to position organizations for growth, capacity, and long-term impact.
Certified in Applied Positive Psychology, Lisa integrates the science of human flourishing into her work. This unique lens helps her unlock organizational resilience, foster stronger leadership, and guide clients toward strategies that amplify strengths while securing resources. As a consultant and leader, she brings a balance of pragmatism and optimism—ensuring that opportunities are both accessible and achievable.Through MC2 Collaborative, Lisa continues to advance a model of partnership that builds bridges between government agencies, local organizations, and private enterprises. Her professional philosophy is rooted in the belief that with the right strategy, every community can increase access to resources, enhance capacity, and create pathways for meaningful impact.
Organizer
