A native of Montgomery County, I was born in Rockville and grew up in Derwood with my parents Deacon Eddie and Pastor Theresa Henderson, and five siblings.  As a "preacher's kid", to serve others is not just learned behavior for me, but a lifestyle I cherish.  I attended Montgomery County Public Schools, played sports, sang in choirs, and participated in community and church activities.  I played softball, soccer, basketball and ran track and field, where I was selected team captain for our Maryland State championship team. I received my bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science and master's degree in Technology Management at Maryland schools, the University of Maryland University College, and Johns Hopkins University. I have lived in the City of Gaithersburg for over 29 years.  
According to the 2020 Census, 38% of Gaithersburg residents were born outside of the United States. From 2001 - 2003, I had the opportunity to live and work abroad in the Information Technology field. While abroad, I overcame the obstacles of learning both a new culture and a new language while working to deliver technology to build thriving communities. This experience provided a newfound understanding of the challenges of adjusting and adapting to a new environment and navigating a successful path forward. Living abroad, coupled with a deep-abiding faith, has made me appreciate, even more, the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, regardless of race, religion, or gender identity. 
I continue my work in the Information Technology field.  Interestingly, I wanted to be a lawyer, but one summer, I took a job as a temporary assistant in the IT division of General Electric and found my passion.  I loved the challenge of knowing what the result should be and then figuring out the mechanics of how to achieve those results using technology.  I changed my major to Computer and Information Science and the rest, as they say, is history.  I lead the development of new technologies for the criminal justice agencies of Montgomery County, including the analysis to support data-driven solutions that improve service delivery to the community.  At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the technical teams in creating Montgomery County’s COVID-19 testing and vaccination registration system, which identified Gaithersburg as a COVID-19 hotspot requiring targeted interventions like mobile testing facilities and other wrap-around services through data collection. 

If we have not yet met or gotten the opportunity to know each other, I look forward to the opportunity to do so.
About Lisa
