Lisa Laura completed her undergraduate work at Duke University with degrees in zoology (biology) and psychology with a concentration in neuroscience. She went on to attend law school and received her juris doctorate from the New York University School of Law. During her career as an attorney, she worked at Community Legal Services representing low-income clients in proceedings for food stamps, medical assistance, and disability benefits. She later served as legal director for a national domestic violence organization, where she provided numerous presentations and trainings for attorneys around the country and consulted on legislation and policy decisions at the local, state, and federal level.

Nutrition and health policy