Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa D. Hill, MBA, PMP, is an accomplished senior project management professional who serves as a Project Manager in the Information Technology Division at Hampton Roads Transit. With extensive experience spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, healthcare, information technology, engineering, and public-sector environments, she began her project management career in 2000 and earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2018. Lisa holds a Master of Business Administration, as well as bachelor's degree from Temple University, and has built a career centered on leading complex initiatives, managing risk, improving processes, and delivering results across diverse organizations. Before transitioning to her civilian career, Lisa served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she developed a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and project management. Among her early notable achievements was traveling to South Korea in 2000 to help develop new software for identification card centers. Throughout her career, she has continued to lead complex projects and initiatives, including large-scale organizational transitions, technology implementations, and operational improvements. Her accomplishments include helping manage the dissolution of a Marine Corps headquarters group involving more than 300 employees and a $30 million project that was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. She was also recognized with the Modern Technology Leader Outstanding Achievement Award from the Black Engineer of the Year Awards and received the Meritorious Service Medal for her contributions during her 21-year Marine Corps career. Lisa attributes her success to the tenacity instilled in her by her father, who taught her to persevere, never give up, and have the courage to pivot when a path no longer serves her. Integrity is central to how she approaches both her professional and personal life, and she believes in treating every individual with honesty, respect, and fairness, regardless of their position or title. As she navigates her third career iteration, Lisa is thoughtfully considering how she can continue to make a meaningful impact on herself, her family, and her community. Committed to lifelong learning, she continues to expand her knowledge, develop her skills, and pursue new opportunities for growth and meaningful contribution.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the lessons my father taught me about tenacity, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up. He also instilled in me the value of pursuing work that brings me fulfillment and joy. I believe in giving my all to what I do, while also recognizing when something is no longer the right fit and having the courage to pivot toward new opportunities.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that knowledge is power. I believe that continually learning, staying informed, and seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge have been essential to my professional growth and success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to keep learning, expand your knowledge, and never let traditionally male-dominated career paths discourage you from pursuing your goals. Make sure you build the credentials and expertise needed to compete on an equal footing, while also tracking your accomplishments and being intentional about the career path you want to create. Recognize your strengths, continue developing them, and most importantly, keep moving forward. Don’t let anyone convince you that you cannot succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As I pivot into my third career path, one of the greatest challenges and opportunities is determining what I want to do with the next chapter of my life and how I can continue to make a meaningful impact. I am focused not only on finding fulfillment for myself, but also on contributing to my community and being present for my family. I approach this transition intentionally, mapping out my goals and project-managing this next iteration of my career and life with the same thoughtfulness and purpose I have brought to every chapter before it.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the value that matters most to me, both professionally and personally. I believe grace and integrity should guide how we treat everyone, regardless of their position or title, whether they are a clerk just starting their career or the CEO of an organization. Treating people with respect, authenticity, and fairness builds trust and lasting relationships, and I believe that leading with integrity will ultimately take you far in both life and business.
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