Jennifer Lewis
/age: 33 | Nonprofit CEO | Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc.
Jennifer Lewis advocates for people with disabilities in all ways. She has always had a strong passion for advocacy and helping people whose voice is silenced to speak up for themselves. “People with disabilities are still largely discriminated against and underrepresented in all facets of life,” she explains. “That just makes me want to keep doing what I am doing and fighting the important fight for those with disabilities to have equal rights, choices, and access.”
Securing an internship on Capitol Hill working for a Congresswoman during her undergrad is Jennifer’s greatest professional accomplishment. That experience showed her how much she loved Washington, D.C., and gave her the courage to move back there a few years later. That experience led to her earning a scholarship to attend The George Washington University to obtain a master’s degree.
Married to Trey, the Lewises have a daughter, Lily, and a son, Wyatt. Settling down and having a family is Jennifer’s greatest personal achievement. “I know that might seem strange to some as an accomplishment, but I was very ‘free-spirited’ until I met my husband,” she admits. “He keeps me grounded and supports me everyday and because of that we have built a beautiful family, and I am so thankful for the personal risks I took to get me here.”
Jennifer is a member and serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana. She also participates in all the activities through the club to help children in our community. She has also served as co-chair for the United Way of Greater Texarkana Stuff the Bus Program the last two years where she helps promote, raise funds, and organize the distribution of backpacks to area schools to help children in need start the school year. “I have a soft spot for helping the children in our community get the resources and support they need and the organizations I volunteer with help aid in that,” she explains.
In 10 years’ time, Jennifer still sees herself working at Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, bringing new programs and resources to help in the community for people with disabilities. She hopes to better educate the Texarkana community about people with disabilities through new channels. She jokes, “Since my kids are only 2 and 4 now, I am sure that in 10 years, I will also be one of the crazy PTA moms, organizing bake sales or something.”
Best piece of advice:
“Just be honest with yourself, and do what you know is right in your heart.” —Karen Lindsey-Macdonald, Jennifer’s mentor and friend
Name something about you that very few people know:
“I moved to Foreman, Arkansas, after meeting my now husband at a wedding in Ashdown while I was living in D.C. I had only known him for three months and most of that communication was via Facetime. Seven years and two kids later ... here we are!”