Her Story
About Blanca
Blanca Lewis, MPH, CEM, is an accomplished Emergency Preparedness and Response professional with the Georgia Department of Public Health, working within the state’s emergency management framework governed by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA). In her role as State Program Manager for Hospital Emergency Preparedness and Response, she oversees 22 units across Georgia and supports approximately 132,000 volunteers serving in various capacities. Her responsibilities include providing training and administrative guidance, strengthening partnerships and coalitions, and integrating resources to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. During emergencies, she coordinates critical resources through the State Operations Center as the ESF 8 Public Health representative.
With more than 20 years of community service experience, Lewis brings a diverse background spanning public health, emergency management, healthcare, fire and life safety, education, and social services. She has dedicated approximately eight years to emergency preparedness, including more than three years in her current leadership role. Her previous experience includes serving as a fire department inspector and community outreach educator, as well as 13 years with Children’s Healthcare in emergency room and office settings. She also served as a social worker with the Department of Children’s Services. Throughout her career, Lewis has developed curriculum for the state and earned approximately 37 professional certifications in areas including inspections, public speaking, adult education, leadership, and emergency preparedness.
Lewis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia Southern University. She is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and continues to pursue professional advancement through the International Association of Emergency Managers. As the only Latina on her team in a traditionally male-dominated field, she is committed to advancing inclusive emergency preparedness and ensuring vulnerable populations across diverse communities are effectively served. Her dedication to public service extends beyond her professional responsibilities through her support of community initiatives, including annual clothing drives benefiting Ava’s Closet through the Partnership Against Domestic Violence. Lewis has also been recognized with a Hispanic Heritage certificate from Gwinnett County, reflecting her ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community resilience.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Blanca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination and refusal to view “no” as a permanent obstacle. I have learned to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, take accountability for my actions, and build honest, meaningful relationships that foster trust and influence. I also believe that continuous learning and a willingness to grow have been essential to my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never take things at face value. There is always more beneath the surface, whether something initially appears attractive or unappealing. I have learned to look deeper, recognize hidden value, and identify opportunities that others may overlook.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be courageous and not be afraid of what they do not yet know. No one is expected to have all the answers, especially in a field defined by uncertainty and constant change. Patience, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning are essential, as is the courage to take risks and do the work with genuine care for your community and your neighbors. Much of the most meaningful work happens behind the scenes and may not always receive recognition, but it is still deeply valuable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the gatekeeping that can occur within the same racial, age, and gender groups, which can make advancement more difficult for women. At the same time, this challenge presents a significant opportunity to break down those barriers and bring more diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences into the profession. By creating greater opportunities for inclusion and representation, we can strengthen the field, elevate the profession, and better serve communities across the state, the Southeast, and the country.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. I believe in being truthful with myself and others, respecting my own work and contributions while also recognizing and valuing the efforts of those around me. I also believe in lifting others as I climb by mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for those coming behind me.
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