Making a Difference: Maggie A. Lewis

As we learn about community, we have an opportunity to meet some of our community leaders who are making a difference. Last week we were honored to meet City County President Maggie A. Lewis.

"For me, it's all about serving people, it's good for my soul. When I'm no longer the president of the City-County Council, my life and my dream will still be about serving other people." - Maggie A. Lewis

EARLY YEARS                                                                                     

Service to others has always been part of Maggie Lewis’ life. From a young age, she watched her mother take in families who needed a meal or a place to stay. “I grew up in Columbus, IN, and there wasn’t much talk about having homeless folks there,  but there were, and my mom had no problem having them over for dinner and making sure they were OK,” Lewis said. “I think service became important to me from watching my mom over the years.”

MAGGIE A. LEWIS  grew up in Columbus, IN, the oldest of three children. Her mother always told her that she was not the product of her environment nor was she defined by her neighborhood. So when she and her two brothers came home from school they did their chores and then hit the books. Maggie’s mother let them know that they could not get “C’s”, because she did not have average children. Growing up Maggie had a dog named, Sir Charles III. She hated cleaning the toilet but loved playing Family Feud. Her favorite color is pink. Maggie loves cashews and all vegetables, and her favorite dessert is wedding cake.

In Jr. High school, her love of reading was encouraged by her English teacher Mrs. White (her favorite teacher). She had the class to read through the Bible as a book, not a particular doctrine or denominational belief. This was the most fascinating experience she has ever gone through! Mrs. White then introduced the class to the classic, To Kill A Mockingbird, which became, along with the Bible, an all time favorite book which she reads often.

COLLEGE YEARS                                                                               

When it was time for Maggie to go to college she thought that she would stay close to home, but mom had plans for her to go away for college. Indiana University was too big so Maggie chose to attend Indiana State University. During her freshman year, Maggie called her mother and said she wanted to come home.  She didn’t feel like she fit in with the other students, who made fun of how she spoke, and teased her about the style of clothes she wore.

Her mom reminded her that "[I] was called to do great things", and that I was the first person in four generations to attend college. After reflecting on her mother's words, her confidence began to grow and she began to connect with her passions. 

She joined the Sparkettes dance team, and a sorority, where she felt accepted just the way she was. Focused on her education, Maggie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education in 1995, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration in 1998. When Maggie finished school, her family, especially her great-grandmother, was extremely proud of her accomplishments. 

A CAREER OF SERVICE - CITY COUNTY COUNCIL

After college, she moved to Indianapolis and became active in politics by serving in political campaigns and neighborhood association work. Although she thinks of herself as someone who likes to fly under the radar, she decided to take the chance at public office. Lewis won a special election in 2008 to replace Cherrish Pryor in the 7th Council District, then was elected to a full term in 2011  She is currently serving as President, the first female to hold that position in the Indianapolis City-County Council.

Despite a very busy schedule, our campers got to spend
some time with Councillor Lewis yesterday!

SAVE THE DATE - 9/20/16: "Making a Difference: Celebrating Our Community Awards Dinner