Meet Heather
Heather M. Luper, MSW, LCSW-C
As a social worker and woman of faith, Heather values compassion and community. She is committed to listening to the concerns and amplifying the voices of our neighbors and communities. She is ready to stand up for what matters most to the people of District 5.
Throughout her personal and professional journey, Heather has consistently demonstrated a passion for supporting those in need within her community- by connecting individuals to resources and services that enhance their quality of life and strengthen the neighborhoods they call home.
Heather began her social work career in Baltimore, Maryland in support of medically-fragile infants and toddlers in specialized foster care. She later worked for the Baltimore County Department of Social Services, helping children, teens, and families in crisis across the county. Both of her parents are social workers with a long history of church and community involvement and public service, so it was not long before Heather followed in the footsteps of her father and began working at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA).
In January 2025, the incoming administration made a monumental shift in federal government priorities by moving away from the mission of caring for the needs of the people and strengthening communities. Experiencing the devastating impact of this change both at work and in her local community, Heather was compelled to stand up for the people of District 5 and give voice to the struggles of our communities.
After 23 years of VA service, Heather took the VERA Deferred Resignation Program. Prior to early retirement in July, she was a VA Central Office social worker, specializing in facilitating public-private partnerships to benefit the Veteran community. She led the work of the program office in making a positive impact on the key social and environmental conditions that influence the lives of our Nation’s Veterans. She led the work of the program office in making a positive impact on the key social and environmental conditions that influence the lives of our Nation’s Veterans. She coordinated the development of many VA partnerships with community organizations across the nation to enhance Veteran services. Heather also co-led the Veteran Sponsor Partnership Network, collaborating with local, regional, and national organizations to provide resources and support to transitioning service members.
Her work has made a positive impact on the people and communities she served and she is committed to continue this mission. Maryland has been her home for a total of 18 years, and she is on this journey with her husband – a civil rights and employment attorney who shares her passion to help others. Since moving to Bowie in 2016, Heather and her husband have grown strong relationships with those in their neighborhood, their church family, and within the community. Heather welcomes any opportunity to advocate for affordability, more resources, improved health care access, and a better future for the people of District 5.
As a public servant for many years, Heather believes the people of Maryland’s 5th District deserve a Congresswoman who will represent their interests and give voice to their concerns. In her years at VA Central Office and over several administrations, Heather has seen firsthand how policy and representation can either uplift, overlook, or over-reach. She believes District 5 deserves bold advocacy—especially for those whose voices have not always been heard. Heather is ready and willing to fight for what is right for the people and communities who are the backbone of this District.