Henrietta earned her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. She is a co-founder of the Supportive Advocates of Lenox Terrace and a member of the board of directors of the Central Harlem Senior Citizen’s Center. She has lived in Harlem’s Lenox Terrace for over 50 years.

Henrietta currently works as a community activist. She previously worked for New York City Small Business Services, the United Nations-related city agencies, and for H. Carl McCall during his time as comptroller and state senator. She also chaired Manhattan Community Board 10.

Henrietta Lyle's run for Delegate to Judicial Convention in State Assembly District 70 is her first campaign for public office.