Last Year, Lisa Lucas took over as the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, a national nonprofit whose mission is bringing books to children. It’s a tough gig for anyone to get, and especially tough for someone so young.

But don’t let her age fool you: Lisa has been preparing for this job her entire young life. Just out of college, she was offered a fundraising position at the famous Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. From that experience, she moved to a children’s theater and then to the Tribeca Film Festival, honing her skills and paying her dues.

Later, in what some people might consider an interesting move, she decided to follow her lifelong dream of running a business by chucking her paycheck and becoming a volunteer at the nonprofit arts and politics magazine, Guernica. At 32 years old it was a risky move, but within two years, she became a publisher. Calculated, thoughtful risk-taking is why we look up to this boss lady. Know what you want, go for it and reap the rewards because you’ve earned them.

“If you actually do what you believe in and what feels really right, you end up where you’re supposed to be.”- Lisa Lucas

Click here to read the full interview with Lisa on Essence.com.