Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Gobillot
Hi Lori, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When The Rev. Dr. Leigh Spruill joined the Church of St. John the Divine in 2021, he shared a vision of A Light for the City — that this church would seek ways to engage to make an impact in our city. A two-year research and engagement process focused on the challenges faced by many of our city’s youth.
A Lighted Path was born to be focused on implementing initiatives that will improve the short-term and long-term outcomes for the very young, for school-aged youth and for young adults disadvantaged by social and economic disparities. At the heart of this mission is a focus on relationships, positive one-on-one and group interactions, and mentoring.
A Lighted Path was provided generous seed funding from St. John the Divine, but was created as a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit in order to broaden its reach – to volunteers, the community, donors and supporters.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A Lighted Path is essentially a “start up” business, if you will. Until January of 2025, we were an all-volunteer organization! We recently added a Volunteer and Operations Coordinator, which has been a great help. Our initiatives and partnerships in the community have been highly successful and I would say very smooth. One struggle can be engaging volunteers and matching them with the right opportunities to serve.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I enjoyed a long career in business and the law. Following law school, I practiced at Vinson & Elkins, then took a business role with Continental Airlines. Over the years, I had roles of increasing responsibility culminating in a position leading the integration of Continental Airlines with United Airlines following their merger. We chose not to relocate to Chicago, and a stepped out of “full time” employment. This freed me up to spend more time with the family, and share my talents with my church and in the non-profit space. In addition to my roles as President of A Lighted Path and ED of its Adults in Training initiative, I serve as a consultant and as an independent director on several corporate boards.
I am proud to be celebrating 30 years of marriage to Ted in 2025 and of “launching” three wonderful adult children.
I am a high-energy problem solver and a strategic thinker. I probably known for being direct, friendly, inclusive and very busy!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family, friends and faith matter most to me. At this time in my life, I am keenly aware of how the hand of God has worked in my life and is working through me. I recognize that, although I didn’t have it “easy” growing up, I had a loving family that modeled behaviors that helped me succeed. I had mentors in my professional life that highlighted my work and talents and helped me succeed.
Through our study of the needs that exist in Houston’s underserved children and youth, I have become passionate that every child should be prepared for kindergarten, have positive relationships and have mentors to help highlight their unique talents. Equipped with these tools and their talents we hope to create communities that are lighting a path to brighter futures for Houston’s underserved children.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alightedpath.org/
- Instagram: a_lighted_path
- Facebook: A Lighted Path
