Welcome to the very first in-person episode of Lunch with Shelley in 2025, and oh, is it a special one! We’re not just munching on exquisite Italian fare at the always chic Café Milano—we’re also joined by the fabulous and endlessly fun Lisa Spies. Trust me, this is a lunch you won’t want to miss.
Lisa is a powerhouse in the world of fundraising, serving as the President and Founder of The LS Group, a thriving political and non-profit fundraising and development firm. She’s a pro at securing national dollars, directing multi-million-dollar campaigns, and running high-stakes events with style and charisma. But more on that in a minute—first, we need to set the stage.
The Iconic Café Milano
If you’ve never been to Café Milano, allow me to paint the picture. Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Café Milano exudes a vibe that’s equal parts sophisticated and celebratory. The décor is luxe yet inviting, with warm lighting, breezy music, and a menu that makes foodies swoon.
It’s the perfect place to sit down with someone like Lisa—someone whose stories could keep you entertained through dessert and beyond. Joining me for this lively lunch are my trusty sidekick Cleavon and our fresh new intern Diego, who’s already proving he can keep up with our playful banter.
Meet Lisa Spies—Political Fundraising Maven
Now, back to Lisa. This dynamo has been raising funds and setting records in the political world for years. She’s made a massive mark leading national initiatives for presidential campaigns and high-profile clients alike. Most recently, Lisa acted as the Director of Donor Coalitions for the Trump 47 Campaign, where she oversaw dynamic efforts involving Jewish leadership, women, veterans, and even America’s farmers and ranchers. She is also currently lending her expertise to major players like Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman John James.
With Lisa, the numbers speak for themselves. She successfully manages donor events, PAC gatherings, and conferences of all scales, always with a touch of perfectionism and a lot of personality. But fundraising is only a piece of what makes Lisa so fascinating.
From Wisconsin to DC—Lisa’s Journey in Her Own Words
Over lunch, Lisa shared the story of how she made her way to Washington, DC. Originally from Wisconsin, Lisa’s transition to our nation’s capital is part grit and part serendipity. She had her sights set on making a difference from a young age, and DC turned out to be her proving ground.
Her knack for organizing and relationship-building set her apart early, and before long, she was leading the charge for major donor coalitions across complex political landscapes. The rest, as they say, is history—or in her case, history in the making.
Fundraising in 2025—Who’s Nailing It?
One of the most compelling moments of the episode comes when Lisa breaks down the current state of political fundraising. Who’s doing it best? What sets the great campaigns apart from the good ones? She doesn’t hold back in giving us the lowdown on what it takes to succeed in the high-stakes world of fundraising.
Lisa’s insights are as practical as they are inspiring. She highlights the importance of authenticity, innovation, and understanding your donors—not just their wallets, but their stories.
Shopping, Food, and the Lighter Side
Of course, no episode of Lunch with Shelley would be complete without some hilarious side conversations. Lisa had us in stitches as she recounted how she met her charming husband, Charlie. Spoiler alert—it’s every bit as fun as you’d hope.
And while Lisa may be the queen of political fundraising, she’s also a restaurant lover through and through. We swapped tales of our favorite meals, and maybe even plotted a follow-up episode centered entirely on great shopping and restaurant recommendations.
Lots of Laughs and Plenty of Rambling
As usual, our conversation took a few unexpected detours. From DC fashion to the quirks of juggling a demanding schedule, we covered it all with plenty of laughs along the way. Diego, our intern, definitely had his hands full keeping up, but he fit right in with our cheerful chaos.
Peace, Love, and Lunch—Don’t Miss This Episode
This episode is packed with so much more than I can fit into a single blog post. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a prominent fundraiser, a deep dive into the complexities of political campaigns, and a hilarious lunch with a woman who knows how to make you feel like you’ve known her forever.
Don’t take my word for it—check it out for yourself! You can listen to the full episode on our website at www.lunchwithshelley.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Until next time, peace, love, and lunch!
