Biography

Rodney Lewis, Jr., M.Ed. (pronouns: he/him) is a native North Carolinian who started his career in public service working as an elementary music educator. While following his passion for community outreach with the LGBTQIA+ community and HIV Advocacy, his volunteering efforts ushered him onto a career path in Public Health Education. With the Inova Juniper Program he served 6 years as a volunteer peer educator, HIV Health Educator, Non-Medical Case Manager and Program Manager. As a Program Manager he led a team of Health Educators, Community Health Workers, Case Managers and Volunteers. He also worked to foster working relationships with local Health Departments, Hospitals, Healthcare Clinics, Community Health Centers, CBOs and many other community stakeholders. His efforts in community outreach and support have made him the recipient of two Community Service Awards, the 2019 Rodney Taylor Community Service Award, and the 2026 Mary Bowman Community Service Award. 
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Winston-Salem State University; then moved on to earn a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He is currently working towards a Master of Social Work degree from the Howard University School of Social Work. His experience includes working with marginalized populations, in addition to youth and people disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. His outreach goals include dispelling negative stereotypes and biases affecting these populations through empowerment, education, resiliency, and support.