Marjorie Herrera Lewis, Doctor of Arts
Marjorie Herrera Lewis, Doctor of Arts, is an author, sports executive, media professional, and university professor whose career centers on leadership, storytelling, and sport. She is the Commissioner of the Women's Flagball League (WFL), helping guide the rapid global growth of flag football while emphasizing opportunity, and community impact. She is also a co-host of DBTV’s "Journey Through Sports and Life" and an accomplished sportswriter and public speaker represented by AAE Speakers Bureau. Lewis is the author of the critically acclaimed novel When the Men Were Gone, published by Morrow/HarperCollins. Inspired by the true story of a women who coached high school football in Texas during World War II, the novel explores themes of resilience, leadership, and gender equity in sports and has earned widespread recognition for its historical depth and emotional power. Academically, Lewis serves as a Faculty Associate at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. She holds a doctorate in English Pedagogy, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Fiction), a master's in Journalism, and a master’s degree in Legal Studies, along with graduate training in digital marketing. Her professional expertise spans writing, editing, digital media, and public speaking, and her work continues to connect sport, education, and storytelling on a national and global stage.
• Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University
Master’s in Legal Studies
• Cornell University
Cornell University
Graduate Certificate, Digital Marketing
• Murray State University
• Mountainview MFA
• University of Texas, Arlington
• Arizona State University
• Penmen Literary Excellence Award
• Lone Star Conference Writer of the Year
• American Bar Association
• Football Writers of America
• Association for Women in Sports Media
• State Bar of Texas PL Divisiion
• Santa Fe Youth Services Board of Directors
• Metroport Teen Court Advisory Board
• Rotary International
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute any kind of success to hard work, persistence, and dedication. For me, any success I may have had, I credit my parents and how I was raised. I was the first women beat writer assigned to cover the Dallas Cowboys, and it was an experience that helped shape my voice and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated field. That same commitment carried me into higher education as a professor and into publishing as the author of the bestselling novel When the Men Were Gone, published in 2018. I am deeply committed to inspiring women to pursue success in any field they choose, regardless of whether it has historically been male dominated. As part of that mission, I am excited to launch the Women's Flagball League in Spring 2026, continuing my work to expand opportunities, visibility, and leadership for women in sports.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was from my mom, long before the invention of Nike: Just do it.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: Never give up, never doubt yourself, and always follow your dreams.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field is balancing the responsibility of being present and accessible to everyone who needs my work while also protecting time for my family. I care deeply about the work I do and the people I serve, and because I truly love what I do, the opportunity lies in finding sustainable ways to lead with passion while maintaining that balance.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me, both professionally and personally, are mentorship, service, and family. I place great importance on helping others grow and succeed, while also making meaningful time for my family. Outside of work, I value balance and joy—whether that’s bowling, traveling, or curling up with a good book.