Harriet Lewis, PhD | Founder & CVO

Dr. Harriet Lewis is a community development practitioner and inclusivity strategist  with significant experience facilitating change that resulted in greater inclusion and equity.  She has worked in the research, and community and economic development spaces for over 25 years conducting business and tourism research studies, and leading organizations that served women, refugees, youth, and small business owners, including an international volunteer association and a chamber of commerce. Most importantly, she has led teams through staffing transitions and client opportunities that resulted in greater inclusion, stronger teams, and  increased access to services for marginalized people.

Dr. Lewis has an academic background in communications, public administration, philanthropy, and social policy and planning. She is a member of the Chicago International Trade Commissioners' Association and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM); is the United Nations Representative for the Nigerian NGO, New Era Educational and Charitable Support Foundation; and also serves as the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Cabo Verde to the State of Illinois.