A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (1979) with a B.S. degree in Political Science and John F. Kennedy University School of Law (1987) where she received her Juris Doctorate. Lesa has been practicing law in the Richmond area since 1989. Her practice has been varied over the years, focusing on real estate, contracts, family law matters and probate.

In November 1995, Lesa ran for a seat on the Richmond City Council. She received the highest number of votes among 16 candidates, including incumbents.

In early 1998, just beginning her last year of her first term on the Council, Lesa sought and was appointed to the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s board of directors to complete John Gioia’s term upon his election to County Supervisor. She resigned her city council seat to accept the appointment. Lesa ran unopposed for the seat in 2000. She is the first African American woman to sit on this prestigious board. Lesa was re-elected in 2004 and also became Vice President of the board. Lesa has been President of the board of directors since 2006.

As a Director of EBMUD, Lesa is responsible for policy decisions affecting more than 2,000 employees, 4 unions, 1.3 million water customers and 600,000 wastewater customers. Lesa represents Ward 1 which encompasses the cities/towns of Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo and Crockett.