A Progressive Democrat for Our District

Meet Lissa Brutus

I'm Lissa Brutus. I live in Middletown, Delaware, I have been working as a commercial real estate appraiser 13 years, and spend most of my free time helping my community build something that lasts.

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If you look at my life, you'll notice a common thread: land, ownership, community, and generational wealth. That's not just what I do for a living, it's what I'm passionate about.

 

A Foundation of Civic Responsibility

I was raised by parents who believed civic engagement wasn't optional. Politics and public service were regular conversations in our home, and they made sure I understood that paying attention to what government is doing is part of being a responsible citizen.

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Ironically, I wasn't interested in politics growing up, even though I still remember sitting with my parents watching the Clinton-Bush debates. Years later, I stumbled across C-SPAN, and everything changed. I became fascinated by watching people debate policy, following a bill from introduction to becoming law, and seeing congressional hearings unfold. It made me realize that government isn't just politics, it's how decisions are made that affect all of us.

 

Why I Vote

My mother is the reason I vote.

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She raised me to understand that voting isn't something you do every four years, it's a responsibility every year. If I hadn't voted, she'd remind me, and if she had to, she'd put me in the car and drive me to the polls herself.

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When I think about the sacrifices people made so someone who looks like me could have the right to vote, I don't believe there's an excuse not to participate. In my family, Election Day was never just another day on the calendar. It was a day of reverence.

 

My Career: Building Communities Through Real Estate

Professionally, I'm a commercial real estate appraiser at a regional bank, where I've worked for the past six years.

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When I was searching for my next opportunity, one of my biggest priorities was finding an employer that genuinely valued and supported my community involvement, not just in words, but in action.

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Real estate has become more than my profession. It's my platform for helping people understand how communities grow and how wealth is built across generations.

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Everything I do centers on land and legacy.

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Whether I'm speaking to residents, students, or community organizations, I focus on helping people understand how to strengthen their neighborhoods, attract commercial investment, and increase property values responsibly. I talk about the history of redlining, how many communities arrived where they are today, and, more importantly, the practical solutions that can create stronger neighborhoods for future generations.

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I also believe that ownership is only part of the equation. Clear title, estate planning, wills, and preserving family property are just as important if we want wealth to last beyond one generation.

 

Community Leadership & Service

Giving back isn't something I fit into my schedule, it's how I choose to spend my free time. Every organization I serve reflects something I genuinely care about.

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New Castle County Planning Board - Board member 

As a member of the Planning Board, I've had the opportunity to see firsthand how comprehensive planning, zoning, and land use decisions shape the future growth of our communities.

 

True Access Capital – Board Member

I've watched entrepreneurs grow from an idea to a successful business through access to capital that doesn't always come with the strict requirements of traditional lending. Helping expand those opportunities is incredibly rewarding.

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True Access Capital Women's Business Center – Advisory Board Chair

As Chair of the Advisory Board, I support programming that gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed, from bookkeeping and business formation to legal guidance and the wraparound services that support long-term growth.

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YMCA Achievers (Walnut Street) – Adult Achiever

On Saturdays, I work with high school students, from freshmen through seniors, talking about community, financial literacy, career opportunities, and exposing them to HBCUs through college tours. Teenagers are probably the funniest group of people I've ever met, and spending time with them is one of my favorite parts of every week.

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Jones Community Development Foundation – Board Member

Supporting affordable housing, transitional housing, and the services that help individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability is work that has a lasting impact on our community.

 

YWCA Center for Social and Economic Progress – Council Member

Serving on the Council allows me to support programs that strengthen economic opportunity and expand resources for women and families throughout our region.

 

CREW Greater Philadelphia – Scholarship Chair

As Scholarship Chair, one of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching scholarship recipients grow in their careers and knowing I had a small part in helping them reach their goals.

 

Appraisal Institute – Delaware Chapter Treasurer

Through community outreach and educational events, I help increase awareness about the appraisal profession and the important role valuation plays in real estate and community development.

 

Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware (HOND)

I'm proud to support an organization that provides trusted education, guidance, and advocacy to help individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership with confidence.

 

Why I Serve

At the end of the day, community service isn't something I do because it's expected of me, it's something I genuinely love.

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Every board, every volunteer role, every presentation, and every conversation is rooted in the same belief: that stronger communities are built when people have knowledge, opportunity, and a chance to create lasting wealth for themselves and the generations that follow.

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I'm grateful for every opportunity to serve because this work truly fulfills me.