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A young performer from Kansas moves to New York and creates new stages for youth development

Covenant House New York board member and Connect-Us founder and executive director, Pam Lewis, has dedicated her career to supporting young people. She has led a life of creating innovative and developmental afterschool programs for youth in communities in urban areas.

Pam arrived in New York City in 1984 after graduating from the Kansas University theater program. She was drawn to the energy in the city and became a political activist and producer of grassroots community talent shows that brought together thousands of people from New York’s most underserved neighborhoods to perform together, support one another, and celebrate the young people in their communities. It was during these performances that she recognized that when young people take leadership and organize events in their communities, everybody grows. 

As the vice president of youth programs at the All Stars Project, she organized programs that introduced young people in New York City to the power of performance and gave them a stage to make their own statements about who they are. It was during her time at All Stars that she met Dr. Mike Dean and Phil Andryc, leaders in the NYC philanthropy community, who nominated her to join them on the board of directors at Covenant House New York. It was a natural fit for Pam, who already centered herself in seeing humanity in others and who shares Covenant House’s values of serving communities with absolute respect and unconditional love. This is important to Pam in all aspects of her work and philanthropy, especially when she is working with young people who need a space where their voices can be heard. Today, Pam leads Connect-Us, a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based nonprofit with the mission to connect suburban and urban neighbors in Fairfield County and beyond. In the Youth Leadership Team, one of the Connect-Us programs, weekly meeting topics for discussion include: the historical fight for fair elections and democracy, the history of systemic racism and oppression, as well as current events. Pam says, “it is important that youth understand the history of our country as they navigate their daily lives and develop their leadership skills.” One of her most practical lessons with her students is inviting them to create their personal brand so that they can give expression to who they are and what they stand for.

When asked if there was a woman in history or present time who inspires her, Pam responded with Stacey Abrams, who is leading an important fight for fair elections and democracy in our country. Pam says, “It's inspiring to see new and younger leaders emerging––especially women of color. That's why the work we do at Connect-Us is so important. Giving young people the support they need to lead is essential for community development and ultimately for the future of our country.”