"When you start about family, about lineage and ancestry, you are talking about every person on earth." Alex Haley

A native of Montgomery County, I grew up in Derwood with my parents Deacon Eddie and Pastor Theresa Henderson, and five siblings. 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 25 years. According to the 2018 Census, 39% 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. As your next Councilmember, I will bring this unique skill set to the Gaithersburg City Council. I am committed to working with the Mayor and Council to leverage information technology to improve how our tax dollars target services and programs for everyone in our community. For example, we can use technology to forecast the housing needs of seniors as more residents choose our great city to age in place, start and grow a business, or purchase their first home. I will advocate for what I am terming, forever housing; a home to begin the journey of life, settle in after a day’s work, gather with family and friends, grow economically, and eventually retire. “Forever Housing” requires sustainability through safe communities and strong economic growth. It will be my duty as your Councilmember to build on the strengths of our city and ensure resources are equitably distributed, including affordable housing and job training that will allow residents to work and live in Gaithersburg. I’ve lived a life of civic engagement and service to community. I have worked on local electoral campaigns. I have chaired issue campaigns at the local and state levels, advocating for equal rights, and most recently served as a board member of a civic organization dedicated to influencing policy at the local, state, and federal levels. These opportunities have provided me with a deeper understanding of how critical local government is to maintaining our communities, schools, and quality of life. I’m running for City Council because I no longer want to work behind the scenes, but in partnership, outfront, with the diverse community of Gaithersburg, where we will embrace our limitless possibilities, and focus on achieving success together. #lisah4gaithersburg #foreverhousing #buildingonstrengths