Lisa Laws
Lisa Laws is an executive operator and infrastructure leader based in Chicago, currently serving as Vice President at Jacobs, where she leads Chicago operations and market growth across transportation, water, and buildings. In this role, she oversees large-scale, high-impact infrastructure initiatives, driving performance, cross-sector coordination, and strategic positioning for complex public-private projects. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management and works at the intersection of engineering, operations, and civic infrastructure delivery, with a focus on decision-critical environments where execution and stakeholder alignment are essential.
Throughout her career, Lisa has held senior leadership roles across both government and the private sector, including serving as COO of the Illinois Department of Transportation, where she managed statewide infrastructure operations and workforce systems. She also served in senior leadership within the City of Chicago under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, including roles tied to cultural affairs, emergency response, and citywide operational coordination. During this period, she helped oversee major urban initiatives, including infrastructure delivery, public programming, and large-scale city operations, as well as leading critical COVID-19 response efforts for the city.
Earlier in her recent career, Lisa served as COO of 1871, supporting innovation ecosystems and operational transformation for entrepreneurs, and later directed operations for the 2024 Democratic National Convention through the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. She is also active in civic leadership, including board service with YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, reflecting her commitment to equity, STEM advocacy, and community impact. With a foundation in structural and civil engineering and early career experience in construction and infrastructure projects, Lisa’s professional trajectory reflects a consistent focus on large-scale systems, public service, and building operational excellence across sectors.
• Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Management) - MBA
• Xavier University of Louisiana 40 under 40
• 40 Game Changers under 40
• URS Pyramid Award of Excellence in Community Impact
• WTS Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award
• Tulane University Young Alumna Volunteer Award
• 2011 URS Emerging Leader
• URS Pyramid Award of Excellence in Special Recognition
• YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
• WTS International
• National Society of Black Engineers
• YWCA Metropolitan Chicago
• WTS Greater Chicago Chapter
• Chicago Children's Choir
• Chicago Artist Guide
• National Society of Black Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to formative experiences and a strong commitment to public service, particularly my time in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, which showed me the importance of effective leadership and decision-making in times of crisis. Growing up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood also deeply shaped my values and motivation to give back to my community. Serving as COO under Mayor Rahm Emanuel further reinforced this path, as it allowed me to directly see the impact of my decisions on residents and strengthened my dedication to serving the public.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my mentor, Calvin Mackey, who has guided me since my freshman year of college. He consistently demonstrated what is possible through discipline, excellence, and purpose-driven work, and in doing so, helped me believe in my own potential. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from him is the importance of effective public speaking and communication, which is an area I continue to work on. Beyond specific advice, his greatest impact has been showing me that with the right mindset and preparation, meaningful achievement is truly attainable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be unapologetically yourself. Early in my career, I was sometimes criticized for my style and personality, but over time I learned that authenticity is a strength, not a limitation. Even something as simple as my long-time love of sneakers—once seen as unprofessional—has become widely accepted in professional spaces today. The key is to stay true to who you are and not feel pressured to change in order to fit a certain mold. If you remain authentic and confident in your identity, you will ultimately be recognized and valued for it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is central to who I am, and I’ve learned the importance of staying true to myself even when it wasn’t always widely accepted. Early in my career, I was sometimes criticized for my personal style, including my long-standing love of sneakers, but I never changed who I was—and over time, that authenticity has become one of my strengths. Today, I’m equally guided by a strong commitment to public service and community impact, particularly in Chicago, where giving back to the place that shaped me remains deeply meaningful. I’m also passionate about expanding access and opportunity for girls of color in STEM through mentorship and speaking engagements, because representation truly matters. Ultimately, I value visibility, purpose, and the ability to show that an unconventional path can still lead to meaningful and impactful work.