About Jamal Lewis

If you had asked my younger self what I envisioned for my future, I would have pictured a life dedicated to sports, almost certainly basketball. Growing up in Prince George's County, Maryland, surrounded by a vibrant community, I participated in various sports, including baseball, football, track, and soccer. However, basketball became my primary focus, leading to weekend tournaments and ultimately, college recruitment. Interestingly, even during those sports-centric years, I had an early interest in the environment, having started a church recycling program and tested water quality in high school. For most of my childhood, I was hesitant to pursue my curiosity about the environment, primarily because there weren’t many people around me who shared that interest. However, a near-death experience in college made me rethink my athletic identity and the path I was on.

It was during my recovery in the hospital, after my time in the ICU, that I told myself that I would stop depriving myself of interests that I cared about. It was in the hospital bed that I shifted my undergrad major from communications to environmental studies, a pursuit I later deepened by earning a master’s degree in public health. My college experiences, including working on lead poisoning prevention in West Philadelphia and studying the effects of energy efficiency on residents, demonstrated to me just how disproportionately environmental burdens can impact certain communities. This realization sparked a commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone, regardless of their background or where they reside.

It's now clear to me that what truly motivates me is the belief that everyone deserves to feel included and to thrive by pursuing their passions. I see the environment as essential to this, both in our immediate surroundings and the wider world. I know I wouldn't have gotten through my illness and recovery without the support of my community and loved ones. I deeply value genuine connection, being open to different viewpoints, and acting with integrity. As someone who embraces a wide range of interests, I'm energized by exploring diverse passions and approaching life as an adventure, always learning and trusting where my curiosity leads me.

Outside of my professional life, sports and exploration continue to be significant influences on me. My wife and I share a love for adventure, whether it’s traveling to new places, embracing novel experiences (I recently signed us up for both skiing and surfing lessons within the past year!), or cherishing time spent with our niece and nephews. Recently, I celebrated a personal milestone by completing my 600th class at F45.