About

Lisa Okello is a Bible teacher, author, fashion designer, and co-director of Elwa Sunrise Nursery and Primary School as well as Director of Cil Training Centre both located in Lira, Uganda. Born and raised in Queens, NY, Lisa relocated to Florida at the age of 17 after the passing of her mother. She attended Florida Southern College and graduated with a B.S. in Pre-k/Primary Education. She spent the next ten years teaching elementary grades while simultaneously expanding her fashion design business, InsideOut Designs. Through InsideOut, she designed and tailored African-print infused garments. 

In 2013, she traveled to Manchester, Jamaica for her first mission trip. Two years later she would take another missions trip to Budapest, Hungary and a hunger for spreading the gospel globally was ignited. Upon returning to the United States, she grew increasing discontent with her profession. Finally, in March 2017, the Lord challenged Lisa to a greater degree of sacrifice. He instructed her to pursue full time ministry.

This occurred when she decided to attend another mission trip, but this time to Uganda, Africa, that Spring. During these two weeks, she received four prophetic words about living and teaching in the country the following year. Thirty-five prophetic words would succeed that Summer and in September 2017, her move was established. After her move to Uganda, she continued to train for the calling over her life. For the next six months, she completed Discipleship Training School under Youth With A Mission’s University of Nations (YWAM U of N). One month after graduation, Lisa partnered with a friend who shared the same vision; Ugandan native and missionary John Bosco Tuli. Together they founded and currently serve as co-directors of Elwa Sunrise.

Elwa Sunrise trains children and the local community to know Christ through Bible teaching, vocational training, and quality education. The next phase of Elwa is to offer secondary education (high school), teacher training programs, and assistance for parents and the community through business loans and vocational skill training. In September 2019, Lisa studied and received a certificate of completion from YWAM’s School of Biblical Studies and continues to pursue a theological education. She also partnered with international missionary organization, Teach Beyond, to aid and support her work in Uganda. In 2022, Lisa and her husband launched Cil Training Centre, non-profit company that focuses on discipling and training youth to be intimate with Jesus and develop sustainability through tailoring and fashion design.

Lisa’s passion for children, fashion, financial empowerment, and teaching the Word of God to others has limitless impact. Lisa is married to Sam Okello, an amazing Ugandan man with a passion for Jesus, business and music. They have one baby girl together, Anaiah Josephine. Lisa continues to be a river who flows with the current of the Holy Spirit.