Spotlight on Rising Changemakers: Jaimeika Lewis

Since this magazine’s launch in the fall of 2021, it’s been 603 Diversity’s mission to share stories so that the people of New Hampshire could get to know their neighbors better, especially those who may be newer to the state or whose lives are underrepresented in other media. That goal continues to guide our work today. 

Recently, we reached out to past sources, frequent contributors and editorial board members to seek out people who are making a difference in diversity spaces of New Hampshire and who’ve not been in this publication before. What we received were the names of dozens of people who are entrepreneurs, advocates, artists and community builders who are creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and valued. 

In this issue, we will highlight six of these “Rising Changemakers,” but you can expect even more in issues to come. If you know of someone who deserves some spotlight, please email us at editors@603diversity.com.

Jaimeika Lewis

City: Nashua

Passion areas: She is a community builder and newly elected member of the Nashua School Board.

Q: What does it mean to you as a young woman of color to be elected? How do you plan to steward your role in the board of education?

Jaimeika Lewis: I think back to election day: I spent it with my 11-year-old daughter. It was a great day, and when we were told that I won and my daughter was there with me, I was in disbelief. 

In that moment, I remembered the times as a child I would hope or wish there was a leader, teacher or someone in my community who looked like me. To be a young woman of color elected, it means that the dreams I had as a child I am able to give to my daughter. It means that I have a lot of eyes on me; it’s a bit overwhelming,
and it’s a huge responsibility. I’m excited to contribute in the best ways I can to bring a better future for our children. I have so much gratitude stepping into this role, and I will listen. I will learn. I will advocate, and I will lead. This is for the kids.

With this role comes a seat at the table. Do you know how hard it is to find one? I mean, even Shirley Chisholm once said, “I’ll bring my own seat to the table.” I think it’s important to stay grounded with what families are experiencing. I think being honest and upfront with our community is so important in building trust. If we put the people first, our goals can be accomplished.

Q: What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

Jaimeika Lewis: My biggest challenge in my career has been being asked to do big work with limited support to build solutions in systems not built with equity in mind; to advocate without burning out, taking on so many rules and responsibilities because I said yes. You’re expected to bring back results, to report, to show impact. Being a young person of color and a woman walking into rooms, you don’t feel like you belong before you’ve even spoken a word. But the most important thing — I say to my daughter all the time, “believe in yourself” —  believe that you can do the work and believe in what you want to become. 

Q: How do you hope to champion POC students in Nashua? Any specific ideas or issues you are hoping to address?

Jaimeika Lewis: I think, for our students of color, belonging is such an important aspect of growth and development. I want to see these kids feel like they belong in their classrooms, and I want to see students have access to advanced education and extracurriculars. Belonging shows up in ensuring people are welcomed in and communicated with. If a student can point out one adult that has made an impact in their life, whether it’s from saying hello, asking questions about their future and goals, or to advocating for that student when they needed it the most. I want to see this for every student in Nashua.

I believe that families shouldn’t have to try to figure out how the school system works, how to advocate for themselves, who to ask questions to; sometimes — most times —  students are missing out because they don’t know that there’s a sport they can join. They don’t know that there’s an after-school club. Sometimes it’s not even the fact of knowing, it’s the fact of being able to plan things — “who’s going to pick me up? How am I going to get there? Is it a space that I feel accepted in?”  Every child should have access to their goals, to achieve their dreams. We can do our part to make sure there’s access and give them the tools they need.

Q: How has being a mother shaped your goals for your policy, career and experience?

Jaimeika Lewis: The one thing that is so empowering that comes from motherhood is that you will reach a point in your life that you will advocate for, cross valleys and climb mountains, when it comes to your child’s needs. To be a mom living in a system that is so complicated, you’re trying to navigate through, but still carry so much and quietly hold it in. In becoming a mom, in doing all of this, for you the beauty comes from the child seeing you build, fight and then having the courage to tell you to get up and stand for what’s right. You see that what you put out there into the world will be then reflected back to you.

My heart is fueled by wanting all our kids to have access to all the opportunities that they can. I know that not every student has that person in their life, and being a board member, being a mom, a community member, being someone who loves to coach and empower students, you want them to be in schools that will support them academically, socially and emotionally. You know, if there’s just one person who believes in a child, it can change everything about their life; and my goals in policy and my career are shaped by this.

Q: How do you think your background, network and community shaped your campaign?

Jaimeika Lewis: I believe that, in many years of meeting people across the city, putting in the work, being visible in my community, building relationships through nonprofits and community organizations, working with volunteers and building engagement programs — I’ve met many inspiring people over the years, and building community with these people and building relationships with them have strengthened my voice and sharpened my clarity. Getting involved in equity and inclusion work, joining different committees, attending additional training to learn about public and community health. I was given tools, people to look up to, friends and mentors. I’ve learned that community is what keeps you going.

Q: How do you advocate for yourself as a Black woman in predominantly white spaces like New Hampshire’s political scene?

Jaimeika Lewis: Growing up in New Hampshire, I’ve learned to advocate for myself in spaces that are white. I’ve learned that you can’t wait for permission to lead — you just lead. You walk in rooms prepared, communicate clearly and stand tall. You don’t apologize for being direct and telling the truth. As a woman, as a Black woman, I get to choose my boundaries. I choose those I want to learn and grow from, staying rooted in the community. I aim to represent. I’m not here to be an exception. I’m here because, when I was a youth, I told myself that leadership would one day look like me.