Meet Elizabeth Lake

Some of you already know Elizabeth, as she is a sixth generation Sacramentan. Her family has deep roots in Sacramento – her family tree goes back to her great- great- great-grandfather, for whom the town of Sheldon was named!  

Elizabeth found her true passion early on – interior design – although she didn’t think of making it a career until she was in college. She completed Sac State’s renowned program with a degree in Interior Architecture & Design, and now runs a successful design firm, Elizabeth Lake Interiors.  Elizabeth hopes one day to establish her own non-profit project providing home design and products to those who can’t afford to furnish their small living spaces.

A naturally effervescent and social gal, Elizabeth has been a supporter of Impact100 Greater Sacramento since its inception. She is generous with her time and talents, and has already sponsored membership meetings at her home in East Sac. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Why did you join Impact100?

I joined Impact100 because of its ability to make a real difference for non-profits in our area. Most organizations have so many operational and related costs that the amount actually reaching its recipients is so much less substantial. What better way to pool our resources! 

What is your favorite aspect about Impact100?

I love being involved in the grant reading process. I learned so much about organizations I would not have otherwise even heard about, and grant writing in general.

What is your favorite restaurant?

Thats a hard one! I would say it’s a toss-up between Ella and Kru. 

What are your hobbies?

I love to entertain and enjoy wine tasting. My latest obsession is cocktail making. It (much like my job) is such a mixture of art and science. The components that make a cocktail interesting, delicious and balanced. Such fun!

What are your favorite travel destination(s)?

I enjoy Europe, the most. And I absolutely love South America. Part of my heart will always be in Argentina. 

What is a place you haven’t traveled, but would love to visit?

I would love to go to Africa. I want to go on safari-probably in Tanzania. And I’d like to see the Côte d’Ivoire. My dad lived there for several years before I was born. Actually experiencing a place I’ve been hearing about my whole life would be amazing!

If you could have an hour lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Julia Morgan and Zaha Hadid. I became obsessed with design after a childhood trip to Hearst Castle. And I followed Zaha closely as an adult. It would be fascinating to not only talk with both them, but to listen to them talk with each other!

What is one thing we should know about you?

Hmmm. I love roller coasters and sailing, but I have terrible motion sickness. I love cake and hate cilantro, drive way too fast for my own good, and have volunteered at Shriners for 17 years!