Moxie Spotlight: Commissioner Lisa Cupid

Hailing from New York though she grew up in Southfield, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit), Lisa Cupid is definitely leaving a mark on the people of Cobb County's District 4 (a suburb of Atlanta). After graduating from Georgia Tech, Lisa and her husband were ready to settle down in a quiet suburb, little did she know, her subdivision was right next to one of the highest crime-ridden areas in the county.

Day after day she did what most of us do: she complained and she struggled.  Then she did something most of us would never have even thought of, let alone, actually attempt it and see it through to the end. Lisa Cupid ran for office.  Yes, Lisa Cupid is the youngest and only second African American to sit on Cobb County’s Board since its incorporation in December 1832. Now that's Moxie!

Commissioner Cupid did not allow gunshots she heard near her home or the crime rate alone to scare her into leaving the town. Lisa wanted to represent the concerned citizens who lived in the Six Flags area and surrounding South Cobb areas. Small in stature, but exuding compassion and confidence, Commissioner Cupid takes a moment to thank a faithful supporter, showing grace to even those close to her: "You don't have to Sakina, I have two meetings today."  "You know I appreciate you so much!"

This interaction is so genuine, that you understand fairly quickly that Commissioner Cupid is not a politician, but a concerned citizen who takes her responsibility of representing District 4 very seriously. Commissioner Cupid knows her constituents and avails herself to them in hopes of hearing their concerns.  The Commissioner does not shy away from difficult encounters, nor does she speak negatively of opponents--definitely a woman who displays grace under pressure!

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Corporate Moxie's Lori Robinson with Commissioner Lisa Cupid

Commissioner Cupid is a rarity. We hear many stories of people running for office, but then succumbing to the bite of the political bug, thus turning their honorable goals into a mere fight for career profit.  Not Commissioner Cupid.  No, she is living in the present. She wants to do what is expected of her all the time, and deliver the best service she can for District 4.  She faces adversity every day, and rests on her faith and family to keep her grounded and focused.

Commissioner Cupid had support, but she did not come from a legacy of public life.  As she nearly fell into personal defeat, she aggressively decided to finally make a stand, and an admirable decision it was.  She stuck with her decision, despite still being in Law School.  She persevered and did not make any excuses.  Some would say her tenets involved a strong desire to see change in her community -- an inner conviction to stand up for what is right.

Lisa Cupid is definitely an inspiration to us all.  Dignified, intelligent, and determined, the Commissioner guides us with grace and fortitude.  For all of us who desire the courage to step up and meet the demands of public service, continue to follow the legacy of Lisa Cupid.  I know she will do great things for District 4 and wherever she is led to next because she's So Moxie!