U.S. Army Col. Debra M. Lewis (ret.) of Hilo, a member of West Point’s first graduating class with women, will be honored as the keynote speaker for Women’s History Month on Wednesday at Fort Hood, Texas. While there, she also will be giving a three-hour leadership development workshop and meeting local leaders.
U.S. Army Col. Debra M. Lewis (ret.) of Hilo, a member of West Point’s first graduating class with women, will be honored as the keynote speaker for Women’s History Month on Wednesday at Fort Hood, Texas. While there, she also will be giving a three-hour leadership development workshop and meeting local leaders.
Lewis was surprised and gratified when she was recently invited to Fort Hood by Sgt. 1st Class Katrail L. Smith, a soldier who worked for her more than eight years ago when they served in Iraq.
Lewis has commanded three U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts, including one in Iraq. She’s a combat veteran, military spouse and Army ‘brat’ herself.
“Lewis well understands what it takes to really help others so that everyone can win,” said Wendell Kaehuaea, senior vice chairman of last year’s Hawaii Island Veterans Day parade where Lewis was grand marshal.
Lewis is president and CEO of a local startup company, Sunrise Aloha LLC. She serves her community as an affiliate faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and advisor to the chancellor, and is an active supporter of Hawaii Island veterans. She also is a charter member of Hawaii Island Women’s Leadership Forum, which is hosting its first Summit, “Advancing Women Through Knowledge, Strength and Community,” on April 24 at the Hilton Waikoloa.
Lewis is one of several business, community and nonprofit leaders speaking at this eagerly anticipated event.
When asked why she thinks others want to hear from women leaders, Lewis said, “Leadership is about bringing out the best in everyone. Many women I’ve worked with have rich lessons of overcoming challenges in ways that transform adversity to opportunity. Today’s challenges are tough enough. Instead of becoming upset or angry, which often results in getting exactly what we don’t want, these women understand the importance of making better choices to help get what we do want.”
For more information, call Lewis at 888-91-ALOHA or email her at info@sunrisealoha.com.