OUR TEAM
The Lapan Sunshine Foundation could not run without our team's hard work and dedication.
Founder / Board Member
Dr. David Lapan
Dr. David Lapan firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity for an education if they are willing to work for it. David was born into a military family in Germany but early in his life his Pediatrician dad and nurse mom moved to Oakland, CA where he grew up. David was one of three brothers; Peter and K.C. who both died young and are large inspirations for the family’s philanthropic work. The Lapan brothers were instilled with a hard work ethic from an early age. David worked various jobs from picking apricots, selling encyclopedias and janitorial jobs. David attended UC Berkley for his undergrad education and the University of California San Francisco for medical school. David headed to the South West for his residency and fellowship to land in his forever home of Tucson. Dr. Lapan has been a Cardiologist for more than 40 years in the Old Pueblo. He was a founder of Tucson’s largest cardiology group, Pima Heart. He has also served as a hospital administrator. He currently works at a small cardiology clinic while working on the family's real estate ventures. As one of the founders of the Lapan Sunshine Foundation, he has served on the board of the Foundation since its inception and oversees the management of the Foundation's endowment and yearly budget. He takes an active leadership role in the development of the Foundation's programs and mission. He visits the Lapan College & Career Club (LCC) on a weekly basis to interact with the students and to keep his finger on the pulse of the programs. In addition to LCC, the family supports various world charities, helps outstanding students with graduate and postgraduate scholarships, and supports NCAA athletic programs. David enjoys spending time with his wife, Jackie, and their 6 kids: Lisa, Dana, Kasey, Katie, Olivia and Tillman. David and Jackie, when not at the clubhouse, are traveling, working out, going to country concerts and watching sporting events.
CEO
Jackie Vasquez-Lapan
Jackie Vasquez-Lapan believes that every child given the opportunity has the opportunity to be anything they want to be. As a first-generation college graduate, she personally believes in the mission of the Lapan College & Career Club. A Tucson native and daughter of a Wakefield graduate, she has a huge heart for her hometown. Jackie attended Arizona State University on a softball scholarship and was a member of the 2008 National Championship Softball Team. At ASU, she was an all-American, academic all-American and the Pac-12 scholar-athlete of the year. Her time on the field taught her valuable skills like teamwork, leadership and work ethic. Jackie continued her academic career as a graduate assistant at Missouri Western University, where she received a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in autism. While in the Midwest, she owned her own softball academy and coached high school girls preparing them for the collegiate softball experience. Before Jackie left Missouri, she registered her first therapy dog, Reba, and began volunteering with her at the Kansas City Ronald McDonald House. Jackie always knew she would return to Tucson and her family. Jackie worked as a special education teacher in TUSD for 6 years before entering the nonprofit world. Jackie was the Executive Director for Gabriel’s Angels of Southern Arizona, a Tucson nonprofit that provided healing pet therapy for at-risk youth. Most recently, Jackie was the National Director of Field Relations for Pet Partners, a national nonprofit that registered therapy animals. It was through Jackie’s work with therapy animals and the creation of the Lapan College & Career Club’s first-ever therapy animal program that she learned about the clubhouse and met the love of her life. Jackie is currently the CEO of the Lapan Sunshine Foundation, Inc. In her role, she works closely with the Director of Strategy and Development to help grow the presence of the foundation throughout the community. Jackie is married to David, and together they share 6 kids. The Lapan’s have 2 dogs who are certified and work in the therapy animal program, Sunny and Dolly. In her spare time, she loves running, eating, traveling and attending country concerts with her husband.
President of the Board
Lisa Lapan
Like her grandmother, Lisa Lapan has had a multi-faceted career trajectory – spanning from the entertainment industry to law, to real estate, to non-profit work and group facilitation. She began her career in the entertainment industry working at a talent agency and for Broadway producers, where she produced, among other projects, the Broadway production of Martin Short’s Fame Becomes Me. After graduating from law school, she practiced at the premiere entertainment firm Hansen Jacobson, representing primarily writers and producers. She returned to producing under the production banner Something Kreative, producing multiple films and television shows. While she continues to produce passion projects today, she now primarily works for the Lapan family, managing their portfolio of real estate properties and investments and serving as the board president of the Lapan Sunshine Foundation. She is also a mediator and certified facilitator in the relational meditation practice Circling/Relatefulness, where she leads groups in improving their relational skills and interpersonal dynamics. A graduate of Northwestern University and UCLA School of Law, she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. She joyfully returns to Tucson every few months to visit the students at the Lapan College & Career Club.
Secretary of the Board
Dana Lapan
Dana Lapan has gained extensive experience in various aspects of business operations, predominantly within the restaurant industry, inspired by her Nana Pat's passion for food and dining. She is co-owner of Great Hands Hospitality, a consultancy firm specializing in hospitality operations and management, where she supervises every step of the restaurant launch process including marketing, branding, construction and establishment. She possesses in-depth knowledge of compliance, permitting, streamlining workflows, staff recruitment and training, operational efficiency and back-office systems. Dana has successfully managed restaurant openings and back-office operations in diverse locations such as New York City, Hudson Valley, Napa Valley, Tucson and Austin. Moreover, she has orchestrated partnerships for food festivals in New York, Charleston and Chicago and pop-ups, conferences and events nationwide. Additionally, Dana serves as a board member for the Foundation, contributing her expertise in business administration, back-office systems and human resource support.
Foundation Coordinator
Drake Espinosa
As an advocate with a heart devoted to children, Drake enjoys positively impacting young lives. From specializing in special education to running enriching summer programs, he finds immense joy in serving students and helping them achieve their goals. Drakes manages Sunshine Therapy Animals, a sub-organization within the Lapan Sunshine Foundation committed to brightening lives in the Tucson community. Through this role, he can bring the incredible power of dog therapy & provide comfort and healing to those who need it most. Beyond his professional life, Drake is an adventurer at heart. He thrives on exploring new places, immersing himself in diverse musical experiences, and sharing memorable moments with cherished friends. Drake is an avid music festival lover, fitness enthusiast and self-proclaimed foodie. He is always on the hunt for the next culinary adventure.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY ADVISORS
Ernesto Diaz Brown
President/Owner, Intertrade LLC / DB Homes & Development
Eva Murziate
Founder / Principal Designer, Interiors InDesign
Edith Villalobos-Zamora
Founder, EMV Build & Design
Grace Fricke
Operating Partner, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Rob Purvis
Senior Loan Officer / Team Manager, VIP Mortgage Inc. MVP Team
Grant Kreuger
Owner, Union Hospitality Group
Jenn Rhodes
Sales Executive, Fidelity National Title
​
Adriana Martinez
President & CEO, Casa Martinez Food Company
Edgar Soto
Campus Vice President, Pima Community College
​