Her Story
About Phoenicia
Phoenicia Lewis is a consultant based in Washington, DC, specializing in policy analysis and process improvement. She has been consulting since 2024, following her work as a refugee interviewer and refugee claim adjudicator. In her role, Lewis develops policy documents, conducts analysis of alternatives for processes, reads extensively to understand systems, trains team members, and creates documentation and recommendations for clients. She values being a trusted voice and good teammate while maintaining transparency in her work. Lewis earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's in sustainable development and conflict resolution. She also completed United States Army training, including the officer basics course and job training. Education remains important to her, and she continues to learn through both formal and practical experiences.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Phoenicia
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My dad encouraged me to ask questions but also be available for tough responses, and always be willing to learn something new from the process and from tough answered questions.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be open and flexible, willing to pivot quickly and do so with a smile. Don't be afraid to use your voice and be honest about the hard things in a way that makes clients open to them but willing to trust you'll give the best work. Don't shy away from the tough stuff but serve the medicine with a little honey.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is that things change really fast, clients change their minds last minute, and the workforce moves really fast and can change quickly. But this is also a good opportunity to grow, learn something new, be flexible, and learn how to do something new.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life, honesty, transparency and vulnerability are incredibly important. I want to show up in a way that leaves the world a little bit better. At work, to be a value add, a trusted voice, always do the work well, be a good teammate, and be transparent so folks trust they'll get good work and good teamwork from me.
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