Biography

Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, a long-time Cicero resident and community activist, was first sworn in as State Representative of Illinois’ 24th District on January 10, 2007. Her top legislative priorities are to improve education funding for Cicero and Berwyn, increase government openness and transparency, and expand access to quality, affordable health care for her constituents and the residents of Illinois.

Born in Missouri, Lisa grew up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and graduated from Jones Academy High School.
A single mother at twenty-one, Lisa knows firsthand the challenges of raising a family and staying in the workforce. She
also understands the value of persistence, and in 2001 capped her efforts for a better future by earning a degree from
Morton College.

Starting with an administrative position in Cicero Public School District 99, Lisa worked in school administration for seventeen years, moving up from secretary to eventually overseeing the district’s multi-million dollar educational grants office. While working in Cicero schools, Lisa became closely familiar with the state’s education challenges. She developed an activist’s commitment to see that vital school funding reforms take place that will level the playing field and provide all children with an equal opportunity to receive a quality education.

Inspired by her experience working with local schools, Lisa decided to leap into Cicero and Berwyn community affairs to help children and families. Volunteering countless hours to improve the welfare of Cicero and Berwyn children, Lisa founded the Cicero Youth Commission. In 1995, she joined the board of the Children’s Center of Cicero and Berwyn, and was also appointed to the Cicero Youth Services Board. Lisa has also served as a board member of
Pilsen-Little Village Community Mental Health Center.

Lisa served as a senior policy advisor for then Lieutenant Governor Patrick Quinn, joining his staff in 2003 as a Senior Policy Advisor.