Lyssa Fils-Aimé Hargrove is a public-sector and community partnerships leader with over twenty years of experience working across government agencies, Congress, faith institutions, and nonprofit organizations to help families access opportunity, dignity, and economic stability. Her work is grounded in the belief that trusted community institutions—especially faith communities—play a vital role in advancing financial empowerment, social justice, and economic resilience.

During the Obama Administration, Lyssa served as Senior Advisor for Faith-Based Outreach in the Social Security Administration’s Office of External Affairs, where she partnered with churches and faith networks nationwide to promote financial literacy, improve understanding of public benefits, and ensure families received accurate information in trusted community spaces. She later created the National Partnership Program for the IRS’s Taxpayer Advocate Service, building collaborations with nonprofits, community organizations, and government agencies to expand taxpayer education and access for low-income and vulnerable populations..

Her partnership work includes collaboration with organizations such as Operation HOPE, CareFirst, AARP, the National Urban League, CVS Health, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—advancing financial education, economic resilience, and community-based solutions.

Earlier in her career, Lyssa served as a Georgetown University graduate-level Congressional Fellow for Chairman Charles Rangel, gaining firsthand experience with legislative processes, appropriations, and government accountability. She also contributed to Haiti-focused initiatives for the House Ways and Means Committee, including support for President Bill Clinton’s U.S.–Haiti Trade Mission.

Lyssa later supported President Clinton’s work when he served as Special United Nations Envoy to Haiti, collaborating on reforestation and green-jobs initiatives with partners including Wyclef Jean and Timberland. For her contributions, she received the Tikkun Olam Award from the Haiti Holocaust Survivors organization, recognizing her commitment to justice and repairing the world.

At the local level, Lyssa has served as Parent Teacher Association President and Legislative Chair, overseeing budgets, strengthening family engagement, and leading arts and community initiatives that elevate youth voice and participation.

A first-generation Haitian American born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Lyssa brings lived experience to her professional mission. She is a longtime member of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Calverton, Maryland, where she worships alongside her family and volunteers with the church’s Kingdom Care’s foundation. She has spoken at Howard University, appeared on New York City public television, and written for Essence magazine.