Desmond Lewis

Desmond Lewis is a native of St. Louis, Mo and a proud alumni of a Historical Black College and University, Lincoln University of Jefferson City, MO. One of his most memorable moments during that time is serving as the University mascot Stripes, where he enjoyed bringing laughter and smiles to families which helped bridge the gap between the University and the community.

After visiting a sports competition in the heart of the city of Los Angeles, he quickly fell in love with the culture and decided to move to Los Angeles. Desmond began his career volunteering at Bernstein High School, a community school in Hollywood, CA.  His commitment and passion for youth development, and community relations was observed by school administration and district partner Youth Policy Institute.

Desmond was then appointed as the school complexes Health and Wellness Coordinator and later Program Manager where he meritoriously changed the school climate through nutrition education, social justice and community wellness. Throughout this time, Desmond also formed partnerships with University of California Los Angeles (Sound Body Sound Mind) opening a community fitness center and LA84 (Play Equity) creating leadership curriculum that was implemented in over sixteen (k-12) schools.  

Prior to joining the CBPS Team, Desmond worked as a Development Program Advisor and Grant writer at Watts Labor Community Action Committee in their Technical Service Department where he addressed systematic, programmatic, and other community issues plaguing the community of Watts and surrounding areas. His effort resulted in fiscal and capacity growth, and leading to hundreds of new jobs in the community.

Desmond has remained an advocate for female athletics, earning him the honor to coach in a California Interscholastic Federation all-star game. This adoration for woman athletics is amplified, as he spends the majority of his down time coaching and training his standout nine-year daughter and supporting female athletic sporting events.

Desmond is motivated to create future leaders and equity in communities. His vision is to build strong foundations through family stabilization, and foster effective community development.