Working with organizations such as The Center for Court Innovation at the Brownsville Community Justice Center as the Youth & Community Programs Coordinator further revealed the many gaps and loopholes that exist in the criminal legal system which contribute to the continued mistreatment of black and brown youth. Those gaps pushed Lisa to further her education. She went on to receive her Masters in Youth Studies & Development at CUNY Graduate Center - School of Professional Studies. During that time, she became an expert researcher conducting multiple Youth Participatory Action Research projects in conjunction with CUNY and youth from all over the city. Each project focused on how youth-serving systems and agencies interact and impact youth. Now, as a Student Attorney at CUNY School of Law’s Defenders Clinic -she works with the Second Look project. The Second Look project assists rehabilitated individuals who have been incarcerated for 20 plus years obtain their freedom through clemency. Lisa is currently working with a 40-year-old black man from Rochester NY who was arrested at the age of 17 for murder charges.

During her time in law school, she has worked with criminal reform agencies such as Common Justice and Youth Represent. Her hopes are not only to continue to serve and advocate for youth, but be an example of the opportunities and possibilities which they too can obtain. #BlackExcellence