Image of Kenesha Lewin who is a black woman with braids in her hair and she is wearing a light colored sweater. — Photo by Alejandro Frederickson

Meet Kenesha Lewin

Kenesha is a social and racial justice advocate, restorative practitioner, educator, and an expert in the field of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

She is a lifelong learner that believes in relationship building — because we don’t change policies, we change people. Kenesha takes a holistic approach to anti-racism and believes it’s a journey not a race. She is committed to highlighting and dismantling systemic racism, one person at a time. This is how true change happens.

Kenesha believes this work is relational. When power and privilege is leveraged for real change, only then we can have a just nation. Her experience includes working in education, for nonprofit organizations, with local and state government groups and elected officials, and with student athletes.

The Work

Image of a program poster advertising an anti-racist family seminar.

Trainer and educator for organizations

Kenesha’s recent work includes delivering anti-racism training to organizations and teams of all sizes, including Microsoft, King County Library System, and Sno-Isle Libraries.

“Kenesha encouraged authenticity around a subject that can sometimes be hard to speak on. There was no fear of judgment around beliefs or ideas prior to the conversation. It was an open platform, allowing others to ask questions/receive feedback when needed.” – Britt Roy Microsoft participant, The Journey to Becoming an Anti-Racist Family workshop

Consultant advocate for local government

Kenesha’s passion for creating more equitable public policy is evidenced in how she worked together with local governments and elected officials, including Whatcom County Washington, Island County Washington, and Washington State elected officials. Most recently, Kenesha worked with the City of Langley Washington to successfully pass a resolution to become an Anti-Racist city. She also helped to form the city’s Dismantling Systemic Racism advisory group. Kenesha served as an advisor to a candidate running for Washington State Senate on equity and inclusion.

“Your efforts to improve racial equity in our community are impressive and impactful!” – Washington State Senator

“Your leadership and organizational skills set a high bar of professionalism for our process, as well as a ton of fairness and inclusivity. You were not only generous with your time but also with your willingness to bring us along in our learning process. I am committed to staying actively engaged in Anti-racism.” – City Council Member

Community builder and founder of R.A.C.E. — Real Actions Create Equity

Kenesha relocated to the Pacific Northwest and began her association with the non-profit Readiness to Learn located in Langley, Washington which allowed her to forge wonderful community connections and found R.A.C.E (Real Actions Create Equity). R.A.C.E was formed to educate the community on how to effectively respond to racial and ethnic bias. Kenesha’s connection to her community moved her to see the need for positive solutions and better communication between marginalized communities and government agencies.

Kenesha founded R.A.C.E to create the opportunity to build bridges and long-term partnerships between these groups.

Image of a student sitting at a desk in the classroom.

Educator to both students and teachers

Kenesha earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama. She added certifications to teach as an educator in Canada, Jamaica, and the United States.

With over 15 years of experience as an educator and a life-long advocate of DEI initiatives, it is her core belief that when we educate ourselves and our community about racial and ethnic biases, systemic racism, and the harm these systems cause for everyone, true change can take place.

Certifications include:

2019 — Certified Restorative Practitioner
2018 — OSPI Certified
2013 — Safety in Schools, Kingston Jamaica
2010 — Child Development, Kingston Jamaica
2008 — Ontario Interim Certificate of Qualification, Toronto, ON, Canada (Primary and Junior Divisions)
2005 — Professional’s Educator’s Certification, Montgomery, Alabama

Student athlete

As a former student-athlete, Kenesha knows what it takes to maintain both academic responsibilities and athletic performance. Kenesha was a celebrated athlete in Track and Field during high school and college. Kenesha understands and can speak to:

The psychology of competing as a team

Life after athletics

Balancing academics while competing

Self-care for student athletes

Image fomr an ariel perspective of people running on an outdoor track.

Kenesha’s experience as an Afro-Caribbean woman — building her educational and professional life in the United States and Canada — has given her a unique perspective and broad exposure to the DEI challenges locally and internationally.

The results she achieves across a broad spectrum of DEI stakeholders is grounded in her ability to navigate diverse communities, provide expertise, and drive toward positive change.

Kenesha’s impact on organizations is transformative and leaves them well equipped to move forward to create real change that includes safety and equity for all.

Fast facts about Kenesha

I worked as a teacher for a decade

I’ve taught in three countries spanning from kindergarten through high school.
I competed at the collegiate level

I represented the University of South Alabama at the NCAA Leadership Conference.
I love to dance

Dancing lifts my spirits, sooths my soul, and I even won a dance competition.