Indiana State University alum, Maggie A. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education and Masters Degree in Public Administration after graduating from Columbus East High School. Since graduating from Indiana State, she has solely dedicated her career towards serving the public and those in need. She served as president of the Indianapolis City-County Council for six years and is the first woman in Council history to hold this position. Recently, Lewis made history again, becoming the first woman elected to serve as majority leader of the Council.
When she’s not serving the Indianapolis community, Lewis spends her time serving as chief executive officer of Boys and Girls Club Indianapolis (BGCI). Prior to joining BCGI she supported the quality assurance and community engagement efforts of Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, and she has worked for a variety of non-profit agencies where she led all fund-raising efforts and developed collaborative partnerships to expand the organizations’ missions and visions.
Her organizational involvement includes Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and LINKS, Inc., and she is a member of Mount Paran Church.
She is married to Indiana State University alum, Leroy Lewis, III and they are the proud parents of Leroy Lewis, IV.
Fun facts:
- I love dancing! Was a cheerleader and dancer in elementary, middle school, high school and college. In my next life, I’m going to be a backup dancer for Beyonce’!
- Love all things fitness!
- First female to serve in my last three positions
Mottos:
- Feel the pain/fear and do it anyway!
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
- IF it is to be, it is up to me!
How do you relax/unwind, de-stress, and take care of yourself:
I get up early to pray, meditate and work out. I workout 6 times a week —that’s my me time.
Career advice:
Dress for the job your want, not the job you have.
The moment in your life you felt most empowered: The day I became the first female to serve as the President of the City-County Council and I looked over my shoulders and saw several older African American women staring back at me. I knew at that moment that my assignment was bigger than me and I was standing on their shoulders.
Power piece:
I love a great pair of stilettos! A great pair of heels force you to walk bolder. In turn, your head goes up and chest goes out and then you find yourself walking with a purpose.
