Senator Louise Lucas Contact information

Lillie Louise Lucas (née Boone) was born on January 22, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia. She has made significant contributions to both her community and the political landscape. Let’s delve into her remarkable journey.

Education:

• Louise attended Portsmouth public schools during the era of Massive Resistance.
• She graduated cum laude from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational-Industrial Education in 1976.
• Later, she earned a Master of Arts in Urban Affairs, specializing in Human Resources Planning and Administration, graduating magna cum laude in 1982.

Career Highlights:

• In 1967, at the age of 23, Louise began her federal government career as an apprentice shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY). She broke barriers by becoming the first female shipfitter there in July 1971.
• Over the years, she held various roles, including engineering draftsman, naval architect technician, and Command Federal Women’s Program Manager at the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT).
• In 1985, she transitioned to community service, becoming the Interim Executive Director of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project (STOP). She later became the Executive Director of STOP until 1992.
• Recognizing the need for retraining due to federal government defense downsizing, Louise joined Norfolk State University as an assistant professor. Her focus was on securing federal funding for retraining efforts.
• From 1992 to 1994, she served as the Congressional Liaison for Sponsored Programs at Old Dominion University.
• Subsequently, she held positions at Norfolk State University, including Assistant Professor in the Department of Academic Affairs and Special Assistant to the Vice President for University Advancement.
• Louise wears multiple hats as the President/CEO of Lucas Lodge, Lucas Transportation, Portsmouth Day Support Program, and Southside Direct Care Provider organizations, all operating in The Lucas Professional Center located in Portsmouth.
• In July 2021, she opened the Cannabis Outlet, a cannabis store in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Political Achievements:

• Since 1992, Louise Lucas has represented the 18th District in the Virginia Senate.
• In 2019, Democrats secured a majority in the Virginia Senate, leading to her appointment as the Senate’s President pro tempore. She made history as the first woman and first African American to hold this office.
• Additionally, she chairs the influential Committee on Finance and Appropriations, further breaking barriers as the first African American in that role.

Louise Lucas’s journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and dedication to public service. Her impact extends beyond politics, touching the lives of many in her community.