Lawrence, Brenda L. (Brenda Lulenar), 1954-

LAWRENCE, Brenda L., a Representative from Michigan; born in Detroit, Wayne County, Mich., October 18, 1954; graduated from Pershing High School, Detroit, Mich., 1971; attended University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, Mich.; B.A., Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Mich., 2005; manager, United States Postal Service; member of the Southfield, Mich., board of education, 1992-1996; member of the Southfield, Mich., city council, 1997-2001; Mayor of Southfield, Mich., 2001-2014; unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress in 2012; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Fourteenth and to the three succeeding Congresses (January 3, 2015-present).

<p>Brenda Lulenar Lawrence (born October 18, 1954) is an American Democratic politician and member of the United States House of Representatives. Lawrence served as mayor of Southfield, Michigan, from 2001 to 2015. The Democratic nominee for Oakland County Executive in 2008 and for lieutenant governor in 2010, she was elected U.S. Representative for Michigan's 14th congressional district in 2014. The district covers most of eastern Detroit, including downtown, and stretches west to take in portions of Oakland County, including Lawrence's home in Southfield.</p>

<p>Lawrence grew up in Detroit's northeast side, on Lumpkin Street. She was raised by her grandparents after her mother died when she was three years old. She attended local schools, graduating from Detroit's Pershing High School. She then earned her bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.</p>

<p>Lawrence had a 30-year career with the United States Postal Service, advancing to work in human resources. In the early 1990s, as an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association at her children's school, she sought and earned a seat on the Southfield Public Schools Board of Education. She served as president, vice president, and secretary of the board.</p>

<p>Congresswoman Brenda L. Lawrence represents Michigan’s 14th Congressional District that includes a portion of Detroit, the City of Southfield and 16 other cities located in Oakland and Wayne counties. Living in the 14th District her entire life, she was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November of 2014 and has been re-elected in 2016, 2018, and 2020.</p>

<p>Congresswoman Lawrence serves as Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and 2nd Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She’s the Vice Chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and serves on the subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services (LHHS), subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) and the subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG). She is also a member of the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform where she serves on the subcommittee on Government Operations.</p>

<p>Born and raised in Detroit, Congresswoman Lawrence is a product of Michigan’s public-school system. She is an alumna of Pershing High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Before she began her career in public service, the Congresswoman had a notable career with the U.S. Postal Service.</p>