Adonis Lewis II
Asheville,NC
Summary
Collaborative and values-driven leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing nonprofit development, disaster recovery, grassroots organizing, and systems transformation. I bring a unique blend of lived experience, strategic vision, and cultural fluency-building community-rooted initiatives that are sustainable, liberatory, and deeply relational. My leadership is grounded in connection, adaptability, and integrity, shaped by a global upbringing and a lifelong commitment to equity and reparative justice. Whether building infrastructure, mobilizing resources, or coaching frontline leaders, I lead with heart, humility, and a bold vision for lasting, collective change.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Coordinator
Tetra Tech
10.2024 - Current
- Support a federally funded disaster recovery initiative in partnership with Buncombe County, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Maintain secure systems for HR, payroll, and safety documentation at field sites; ensure compliance and smooth onboarding of new hires.
- Act as key liaison between field staff and internal departments; resolve procedural issues and manage operational workflows.
- Oversee timesheet audits, dispatch logs, and approval tracking; submit documentation to SharePoint and Box platforms.
- Coordinate inventory and supply logistics; train staff on compliance protocols and reporting systems.
Communication & Engagement Manager
The Connectivity Project
01.2025 - Current
- Lead strategic communications and community engagement for a regional digital equity initiative.
- Manage storytelling, digital content, and public messaging to amplify marginalized voices and promote broadband access.
- Organize events and facilitate relationships with local leaders and partner organizations to drive policy change and community trust.
- Produce outreach materials and engagement toolkits used across multiple counties.
Development & Engagement Coordinator
Counterflow Asheville
01.2025 - Current
- Create and execute engagement strategies that increase donor participation and public visibility.
- Produce events that draw hundreds of participants and generate vital funding for community-based programs.
- Build relationships with community leaders, partners, and funders; secure grant support for new initiatives.
- Lead digital storytelling efforts and manage social media outreach, increasing online engagement and reach.
Co-Director, Relationships & Support
Southern Vision Alliance
05.2018 - 01.2023
- Led the strategic growth and daily operations of a regional intermediary supporting 25+ BIPOC-led grassroots projects through fiscal sponsorship, compliance, regranting, and long-term development planning.
- Designed and implemented scalable infrastructure-including SOPs, grant development protocols, digital knowledge tools, and cross-functional communication systems-to support organizational sustainability and movement growth.
- Facilitated fundraising trainings, capacity-building workshops, and one-on-one coaching for grassroots leaders focused on development strategy, compliance, and organizational resilience.
- Cultivated relationships with philanthropic partners and national networks to increase investment in community-led justice initiatives; represented SVA across coalitions, conferences, and international convenings.
- Served on the executive leadership team to guide strategic planning, organizational budgeting, and equity-centered visioning rooted in movement accountability and collective care.
Program Manager & Co-Founder
PowerHouse Project Charlotte
03.2012 - 09.2017
- Co-founded and led a CDC-funded initiative supporting the health, leadership, and empowerment of queer and trans youth of color.
- Supervised a team of 15+ staff and fellows; managed budgets, PEMS compliance, and quarterly reporting.
- Designed curriculum and outreach strategy focused on HIV/STI prevention, peer education, and community organizing.
- Built a walk-in SafeSpace center and outreach model that transformed participants into peer leaders and local health ambassadors.
Education
M.A. - Global Studies: Peace & Migration
University of Cape Town
B.S. - Sociology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NCB.A. - African Diaspora Studies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NCSkills
- Nonprofit Development & Fundraising
- Grant Writing & Compliance
- Strategic Communications & Engagement
- Program Design & Infrastructure
- Community Outreach & Stakeholder Relations
- Leadership Coaching & Team Supervision
- Equity, Reparations & Healing-Centered Practice
- Cross-Sector Collaboration & Partnerships
Timeline
Communication & Engagement Manager
The Connectivity Project
01.2025 - Current
Development & Engagement Coordinator
Counterflow Asheville
01.2025 - Current
Operations Coordinator
Tetra Tech
10.2024 - Current
Co-Director, Relationships & Support
Southern Vision Alliance
05.2018 - 01.2023
Program Manager & Co-Founder
PowerHouse Project Charlotte
03.2012 - 09.2017
B.S. - Sociology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. - African Diaspora Studies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.A. - Global Studies: Peace & Migration
University of Cape Town
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