Lynda LeMole

Lynda LeMole

Meet the People Powering Our Mission

At WomenServe, our impact is only possible because of the passionate, talented individuals working every day to create lasting change in the communities we serve. Through this series of team member interviews, we’re shining a light on the people behind the scenes — their journeys, motivations, and the values that drive their work. Get to know our dedicated team as they share their stories in their own words!

Lynda LeMole
Board Treasurer

1. Can you briefly describe your role at WomenServe?

I am on the Board of Directors of WomanServe, serving also as an Officer, Treasurer. My responsibilities are to meet with the WomenSserve Team throughout the year and review progress of all programs, participate in goal setting and strategic planning, and as Treasurer to review financials with the leadership team. I have been volunteering with WS since 2022.

2. What motivated you to join WomenServe?

I have followed WomenServe since its inception in 2016.  Founder Nioma Sadler and I are close extended family and I have admired and supported the WomenServe mission to uplift marginalized women and girls since Nioma began working with community leaders and grassroots organizations in India.

From 2002-2012 I was Executive Director of United Plant Savers, a non-profit whose mission is to protect native medicinal plants and their habitats while ensuring renewable populations for future generations. I am keenly aware of the challenges that face nonprofits, so when Nioma needed help with WS in 2022, I was honored and excited to offer my experience and energy to WomenServe’s wonderful mission..

3. Can you tell us about your previous work experience before joining WomenServe?

Before my work as Executive Director of United Plant Savers, I was co-owner and President of Traditional Medicinals from 1982-2002. During that time I also served as President of American Herbal Products Association (1986-1990), the trade association for the US herb industry. In the 1970s I worked with pioneering natural food companies Erewhon, East West Journal and as Secretary to Michio Kushi, founder of The East West Foundation - the premier macrobiotic education group - during its early years (1976).

The work I have chosen over and over again has been to affect healthy positive change on our beloved planet Earth, which very much aligns with WomenServe’s mission.

Having had several leadership roles, I am aware of and believe in the importance of experienced counsel to an organization, especially a young one. As a Board member and Treasurer of WomenServe, I am able to lend my experience to the leadership team.

When I started my role as Executive Director of United Plant Savers, the organization was near bankruptcy and it took several years under my leadership to regain solvency. When I left, we had reserves in Savings and all programs were up and running! During my years with Traditional Medicinals, I was able to create products and forge unique legal categories for medicinal herb teas. During the early years of the natural foods industry and movement in the US I found ways to help establish credibility with consumers and the government. My super power seems to be working with young causes and companies to establish solid foundations and build or rebuild their unique strengths and success.

4. How does your previous experience influence your work at WomenServe?

Having worked with many volunteers in a nonprofit organization has taught me how to be (and not be) a useful and effective volunteer! Many of the WomenServe programs and efforts require volunteers to make them successful. As I work with WomenServe I am ever-mindful of the importance of being a dependable and selfless volunteer.

Much of my life has been the story of women’s rise to equality and empowerment here in the USA. In 1964 when I attended an ivy league college, few women were being accepted (8-1 men to women in my freshman class at Cornell). I think that once you have been marginalized and then risen, you understand and can be compassionate about that struggle. You also feel the comradeship and community of others who are experiencing the same challenges. Over the last 6 decades, working in women’s groups and collective efforts for equality and empowerment has been an essential part of my development.

5. What do you find most rewarding about your work at WomenServe?

Having been born and raised in privilege (here in the USA), it has been eye-opening to me to  learn of communities in India without water, schools or a woman’s freedom to choose her future. The WomenServe’s Taanka projects (rainwater catchment tanks) that provide water for a household for up to 6 months changes the lives of families, particularly for the women and girls, giving them time for education and jobs.

Half the world’s population is female, and in many countries women are marginalized, unable to work or affect change for themselves and their families. I believe that if you raise Her voice and Her freedom to choose education and personal path, the world has just doubled its chances for  greater positive change. Supporting WomenServe and the work we are doing in Indian communities to educate women, to ensure they have access to basic resources like water, and to provide opportunities for women to develop skills towards financial independence will go a long way towards improving the lives of women and girls in Indian communities but also as an example for the whole world.

6. What are your passions or interests outside of work?

I am an herbalist, alchemist, and advocate of natural lifestyles with food, medicine, and healthy living environments. I grow herbs and fungi and make medicines for family and friends.

I believe that what is happening worldwide with raising womens’ voices is a natural and much needed part of the evolution of our species. The work that WomenServe has chosen to accomplish aligns with what I know the natural world needs.

Cooking, growing plants and fungi, and making medicines are my vocations. I am an avid reader of natural health science advancements and history. I love living close to Nature. I love spending time with my two grown sons and their families and dogs.

7. Who has been an inspiration to you in your professional journey?

My mother was an inspiration to me. During WW2 she left her small Texas town to join the Navy and serve our country. She raised our family with an emphasis on good education and healthy foods. In her 50’s she got her PhD in Psychology and opened her own counseling center, helping women in need to become independent and psychologically empowered. I grew up believing that a woman could get a higher education, raise a healthy family, start her own business and make a difference in her community. This encouraged me to feel empowered to do the same.

8. What is a fun or surprising fact about you that people might not know?

I grow medicinal mushrooms! I started this during the pandemic and it ‘mushroomed’!!

9. How do you envision the future of WomenServe?

I see that WomenSserve is well positioned to continue our work with Indian communities and our programs in education, resource access, women and girls’ empowerment, and providing economic opportunities for women well into the future.

My hopes for WomenServe are that we will expand our mission to include underserved women and girls here in the US and other countries.

I will continue to serve the WomenServe Team in whatever capacity is needed and that I can provide.

10. What message would you like to share with the WomenServe community?

There are many fine organizations and nonprofits working to improve the well-being of underserved people on our needy planet.  How does one choose who to support with our resources and our time? 

I believe WomenServe is worthy of your support as it is well organized, has an excellent leadership team, and is focused on its goals to help women and girls. We keep good track of our grants and efforts in the communities we serve, and follow up and report on the progress of our efforts. We adjust our plans when they don’t work! We are personal in our connections and outreach, following individual girls through their education and development, telling their stories for other girls to hear about and learn from. And most importantly, our founder, Nioma Sadler is truly committed to our mission. Her service to WomenServe is remarkable and is an inspiration to us all.

11. Can you share a favorite quote or mantra that you live by?

My favorite expression is “It all depends”.

Life is complex and to make good decisions we must evaluate every variable we can consider.  Do not rush to judgment. Walk in the other person’s shoes. Consider all the facts. Consider what is not known. What is true for you may not be true for others. Judge not, for you will be so judged. We live in a complex garden of unique individuals and we must learn to respect and have tolerance for each others’ differences if we are to find harmony and have one peaceful world.