Carla Christophe Powell-Lewis
Carla Powell-Lewis is a nationally engaged education leader, consultant, and public servant with over two decades of experience advancing student achievement, educator effectiveness, and community-centered educational systems. She serves as the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Member for District 3 and Immediate Past President of the Board, where she has provided executive-level governance, policy leadership, and fiduciary oversight during periods of significant district transition and reform.
Rising from a 20-year career as a middle and high school social studies educator, Carla has taught civics, U.S. government, African American studies, and Advanced Placement Government while mentoring pre-service and early-career teachers across multiple preparation pathways. Her leadership experience spans instructional coaching, curriculum development, assessment literacy, and districtwide professional learning initiatives.
In addition to her elected role, Carla is the Founder and Educational Consultant of Spirit of Excellence Learning Systems, a multi-state education consulting firm supporting schools, districts, nonprofits, and community organizations. Through this work, she designs and facilitates policy-aligned professional development, instructional sustainability strategies, and education-to-career initiatives that strengthen educator capacity and student outcomes.
Carla holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southern University and A&M College and is certified as a School Principal, School Supervisor, and Supervisor of Student Teaching. She currently serves as President of the Louisiana Council for the Social Studies and previously served on the Executive Board of the National Council for the Social Studies. Her work has been recognized through fellowships and honors including the Hunt Institute Inaugural Early Learning National Fellowship, Leadership Baton Rouge Fellowship, and the National Association of University Women South Central Section Woman of the Year award.
An ordained Associate Minister, Carla integrates faith, service, and education in her professional and community work. Her research and advocacy interests focus on education workforce policy, educator retention, and frameworks recognizing career educators as essential personnel. She remains deeply committed to advancing equitable, high-quality education while building sustainable systems that support both learners and the professionals who serve them.
• Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
• Leaders of Color Honors Program 2022
• Hunt Institute – Inaugural Early Learning National Fellow
• Leadership Baton Rouge Fellow (Class of 2025)
• Southern University and A&M College - MEd
• Master of Education, Administration & Supervision – Southern University and A&M College
• Bachelor of Science, Social Studies Education – Southern University and A&M College
• National Association of University Women – South Central Section Woman of the Year
• Louisiana Association of Educators – Teacher Image Award
• NEA Foundation National Travelers Award Recipient
• Louisiana Council for the Social Studies (President)
• National Council for the Social Studies (Former Executive Board Member)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
• National Association of University Women
• Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Metro Baton Rouge
• National Alliance of Black School Educators
• Global truth outreach ministries
• Louisiana Christian Resource Center
• Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation
• Mount Zion Baptist Church of Scotlandville
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success first to my faith and my relationship with God, which grounds my purpose and guides my decisions. I also credit the strong foundation instilled by my family—one rooted in service, education, and perseverance. My calling to education was evident early in life; as a child, I gravitated naturally toward teaching, a passion my family recognized and nurtured. That early affirmation continues to shape my commitment to learning, leadership, and service today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to lead with excellence wherever you are planted while preparing thoughtfully for what comes next. I was encouraged to treat every role as an opportunity to learn, serve, and build credibility—understanding that growth comes from consistency, integrity, and readiness, not rushing titles. I was also taught to seek out and invest in professional development, even when an employer does not sponsor it, recognizing that growth is a personal responsibility. Finally, I’ve learned that it is always okay to change your mind—clarity evolves with experience, and honoring that evolution is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know your why and protect it. Education is deeply meaningful work, but it is also shaped by policy, politics, and competing pressures. Staying grounded in purpose—remembering that this work is ultimately about children and communities—will help you navigate challenges, make sound decisions, and sustain your impact over time. Be yourself: transparent, authentic, and professional in all spaces. Hold firmly to your morals and values; consistency and integrity build credibility, and over time, others will learn to respect both your voice and your leadership.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Education is facing critical challenges related to educator burnout, workforce sustainability, and equity in access to high-quality learning experiences. At the same time, this moment presents significant opportunities to rethink how we support educators, strengthen community partnerships, and align education with career and civic readiness. Leaders who approach these challenges with empathy, data, and collaboration can drive lasting systems change.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith, integrity, service, and excellence guide both my professional and personal life. I strive to lead with humility, remain authentic and transparent, and conduct myself with professionalism in all spaces. I believe deeply in honoring relationships and staying accountable to the communities I serve, while holding myself and others to high standards rooted in purpose, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to equity for all.