Lisa P. Lazarus is a dedicated public servant, community leader, and advocate for equity and opportunity. A first-generation American, Lisa was born in Hartford, CT to Jamaican parents who, along with her 11 siblings, emigrated to the United States in 1978. Her family instilled in her a strong commitment to education, service, and integrity. With a diverse personal and professional background, Lisa brings a pragmatic, people-centered approach to solving community challenges.
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Lisa’s career has included roles in workforce development, education, entrepreneurship, real estate, and as a contractor with the U.S. Department of the Navy—each step deepening her understanding of what it takes to empower individuals, build community, and navigate complex systems and hierarchies.
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Currently serving as Associate Director of Compliance & Recruitment at the YWCA Hartford Region, Lisa works through a trauma-informed lens to strengthen organizational efficiencies, foster an informed and engaged workforce, improve workplace culture, and advance equity. Also a licensed Realtor, Lisa facilitates commercial and residential transactions and helps our community build generational wealth with transparency and strategic insight. She also served on the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors Government Affairs and Commercial Real Estate Committees.
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An active volunteer and board leader, Lisa has served organizations including the New Britain Museum of American Art, Roberts Foundation for the Arts, Renbrook School, and the West Indian Foundation. Lisa’s education is deeply rooted in the West Hartford area, having attended Renbrook School and Miss Porter’s School, before going on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from Connecticut College and a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from American University.
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A lifelong Democrat, Lisa has supported, volunteered and fundraised for various campaigns including U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, and West Hartford Councilwoman Carol Blanks. She has also served on the West Hartford Board of Assessment Appeals and as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
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Committed to inclusion, accountability, and progress, Lisa is ready to serve West Hartford with integrity and a deep understanding of both people and policy. Lisa lives in West Hartford’s 4th District with her partner, John Blair, and has a passion for food, enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, early morning walks, spending time with family and friends, and curling up with a good book.