Dr. Ghislaine Lewis, an associate professor of communication studies at the University of Lynchburg, has been honored this spring by two organizations.
In March, she was named a “Woman of Distinction” by the YWCA of Central Virginia and presented with the Igniting Equity Award.
As described by the YWCA, the award honors “a woman or group of women who have made an impact that improves equity for underserved groups within her community. She is a voice for change and igniting equity. She may work with and lead different services within her community or has created programs to help uplift and empower these marginalized groups.”
On May 21, Lewis will receive a Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. As described by the VCIC, it is given to “individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.”
Lewis has taught communication and journalism at Lynchburg for nine years. She is advisor for the student-run newspaper, The Critograph, and teaches in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership Studies program. She also is a trainer with the National Coalition Building Institute.
In 2025, she was awarded the University’s Elsie Ervin Bock Citizenship Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the institution and/or the surrounding community.
In the wider community, Lewis is a member of the Pierce Street Gateway Community Garden and the first executive director of the Pierce Street Gateway. She also is active with the Legacy Museum of African American History, Susie Gibson Legacy Inc., the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and The Link Project.
“While I’m deeply honored by these recognitions, the work has never been mine alone,” Lewis said. “It belongs to the communities that welcomed me in, shared their stories, and trusted that something meaningful would come from it.
“These awards are a testament to what becomes possible when we are committed to building inclusive communities together.”
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By Ghislaine Lewis University of Lynchburg
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