Lisa is a daughter of Delaware. Lisa grew up in Wilmington, graduated from high school here, and worked her first job at the McDonald’s on Market Street. Flipping burgers and taking coffee to the regulars, she learned the value of an honest day’s work and the importance of a good job. Lisa’s journey in public service began when she approached then-Congressman Tom Carper at a town hall. With a baby on her hip and another one on the way, Lisa inquired about an internship in the Congressman’s Wilmington office.

That experience sparked Lisa’s service to Delaware. As an intern and then a caseworker for Congressman Carper, Lisa helped people during challenging times with their Social Security benefits, disability insurance claims, IRS disputes, and housing needs. She went on to serve in the cabinets of Delaware Governors Carper and Minner, breaking barriers as she served as Secretary of Labor, Deputy Secretary of Health and Social Services, and State Personnel Director. 

Lisa never thought she would run for office. After the sudden and unexpected loss of her husband, Lisa poured her grief into service and ran for Congress. Lisa’s historic election in 2016 marked the first time Delaware sent a woman or person of color to Congress. But Lisa isn’t satisfied with making history, she’s driven by making a difference.