MSU ALUMNA TO LEAD NATIONAL WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION

S. Annelle Lewis, ’77, was tapped in June to lead The Board of Directors of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.  

The 6,000-member national organization advocates on behalf of black women and girls through actions and alliances devoted their leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

Before joining the group, Lewis ran her own consulting firm.  Her company specialized in helping non-profits with alignment of their philanthropic missions to the market as well as strategic planning and providing advice on governance.

From 2008-2011, Lewis served as the executive director for the National Urban League, where she successfully led its centennial celebration, which led to heightened brand awareness, fundraising and a led to a campaign  focused on closing the equality gaps for black women. Additionally, the project drew dignitaries from corporations, elected officials, sports and entertainment to form a new 140-member honorary committee.   

Lewis continues to support MSU. She served on the university’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and she is a charter member of the Urban Affairs Alumni Association, spearheading efforts for its first endowment.

From 1998-2008, Lewis served as Senior Vice President, Affiliate Services and was the former Senior Vice President for Affiliate Development, Programs and Policy with the National Urban League. In these capacities, she directed the delivery of services to more than 100 affiliates in 36 states and the District of Columbia --serving 2 million participants and annual economic impact exceeding $925 million. 

Her portfolio also included a $20 million budget and 40 staff members representing the U.S. Department of Labor Projects, Housing and Economic Development, Department of Transportation, and Whitney M. Young Jr. Center for Urban Leadership Initiatives.

Lewis is credited with creating the National Urban League’s Young Professionals program in response to the need for emerging leadership and provided liaison support to over 15,000 staff and volunteers of key stakeholder affinity groups.