Robert Lewis Jr., Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, on academics, workforce readiness, and health and wellness
06/11/24 • 35 min
Robert Lewis Jr. will never forget Boston’s desegregation busing crisis in the 1970s – an intensely volatile period during which his home was firebombed.
In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Lewis, now Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and a longtime community leader, reveals how the unrest became the genesis for his purpose. Lewis, who was 16 when his East Boston home was targeted, vowed “to do work that's about bringing people together, about bringing communities together."
A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs during his childhood, Lewis now helms an organization with eight locations, whose future, he says, is “around academics, workforce readiness, and health and wellness.
“We want the Boys & Girls Clubs to be the place that our teens are excited about,” he says.
Listen to the episode to hear more from Lewis on:
- What he does when he’s not working (9:16)
- “Passion points” providing access to opportunities for young people (20:07)
- His life-threatening battle with Covid (21:37)
- What’s on his bucket list (31:37)
Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.
Robert Lewis Jr. will never forget Boston’s desegregation busing crisis in the 1970s – an intensely volatile period during which his home was firebombed.
In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Lewis, now Nicholas President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and a longtime community leader, reveals how the unrest became the genesis for his purpose. Lewis, who was 16 when his East Boston home was targeted, vowed “to do work that's about bringing people together, about bringing communities together."
A member of the Boys & Girls Clubs during his childhood, Lewis now helms an organization with eight locations, whose future, he says, is “around academics, workforce readiness, and health and wellness.
“We want the Boys & Girls Clubs to be the place that our teens are excited about,” he says.
Listen to the episode to hear more from Lewis on:
- What he does when he’s not working (9:16)
- “Passion points” providing access to opportunities for young people (20:07)
- His life-threatening battle with Covid (21:37)
- What’s on his bucket list (31:37)
Powered by PNC Bank.Download a transcript of the podcast.
Previous Episode
Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, on promoting the city’s history and its diverse “hidden gems”
As president and CEO of Meet Boston, Martha Sheridan’s job is to position Boston “as one of the premier destinations in the world.”
On this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Sheridan details how she and her 501(c)(6) organization – that markets the Boston area as a destination for meetings, conventions and leisure visits – accomplishes that goal.
“if we don't invite them, they're not going to come back, so our work is incredibly valuable,” Sheridan says.
Meet Boston’s efforts are bolstered by its commitments to boosting workforce development in the hospitality sector and showcasing nontraditional visitor destinations, like Dorchester, East Boston and Roxbury.
Listen to the episode to hear more from Sheridan on:
- Her former job as a tour director on motor coaches. (3:23)
- Engaging and retaining Meet Boston’s team through hybrid work. (10:34)
- Avoiding the mistake of “burning a bridge.” (20:59)
- The most overlooked spot in Boston. (23:50)
Download a transcript of the podcast.
Next Episode
Vikki Spruill, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium, on ocean conservation, climate change and workplace ecosystems
The New England Aquarium, says president and CEO Vikki Spruill, is far more than a tourist attraction.
In this episode of the PNC C-Speak podcast, Spruill details the scope and significance of the 54-year-old institution’s contributions – research, education and advocacy, among others – to Boston and far beyond the city limits.
As the leader of a marine-based nonprofit with a workforce of 290 and two campuses, Spruill is passionate about climate resiliency, ocean conservation and the role the aquarium plays in furthering those objectives.
The aquarium’s mission is working “for a vital and vibrant ocean for all,” Spruill says. “We hope to inspire everyone to form a deeper connection with the ocean and take action to protect it.”
Listen to the episode to hear more from Spruill on:
- The aquarium’s plastic-free gift shop (6:04)
- “Working at the speed of trust” (9:39)
- The job of a leader (16:56)
- Her wish for Boston (26:21)
Download a transcript of the podcast.
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