Alumni Profile: Dr. Nghana Lewis

Dr. Nghana Lewis, 1989 Delegate

1989 – Delegate from St. Thomas More High School
Currently – Assistant Professor of English and African & African Diaspora Studies, Tulane University and Practicing Attorney in River Parish Region, specializing in criminal defense

Nghana Lewis came to LYS in 1989 from St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 2008, she was honored by LYS with the Roddy Richard Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to serving Louisiana Youth. Nghana was the first LYS alumni to receive this prestigious award.

Nghana graduated from Tulane University with honors (magna cum laude) in 1994, receiving a B.A. in English. While at Tulane, she was elected to the Newcomb College Senate and twice appointed to the Newcomb College Honor Board. In her sophomore year, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and was chosen as a Newcomb College Asset, a distinction given to ten Newcomb women for their leadership in campus involvement and service. In 2001, she earned her Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializing in American literature since 1800. At Illinois, she became the first recipient of the Richard K. Barksdale Fellowship and was elected to the English Graduate Student Association. Upon earning her Ph.D. in English, Dr. Lewis accepted a tenure-track assistant professorship in English at Louisiana State University. While at LSU, she launched the Encouraging Student Scholarship & Excellence through Native-Centered Education Program (ESSENCE) a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that provides supplemental educational services in English Language Arts and Reading to K-12 schools. In 2005, Dr. Lewis accepted q joint tenure-track assistant professorship in English and African & African Diaspora Studies at Tulane. In addition to her work in academia and with K12 schools, Dr. Lewis is a practicing attorney in the River Parish Region, specializing in criminal defense. To contact Dr. Lewis please e-mail nlewis2@tulane.edu, or call (504) 862-8179. You may also visit her website at www.nghana.com.

Dr. Lewis says about LYS: "I've always had a desire to serve my community; LYS taught me to channel that desire into positive, sustainable action. It also showed me how much talent lies within our state's youth. I was inspired by the examples set by my peers at LYS to believe in the possibilities that extend from a group of complete strangers coming together and not only getting to know and respect one another but also working toward the fulfillment of a common goal that has the ability to positively impact many more lives than our own. That's the power of learning. That's the power of collaboration. That's the power of leadership. That's LYS."

Alumni Profile: Donald Cravins Jr.

Donald Cravins, Jr., 1989 Delegate

1989 delegate from Teurlings Catholic High School
Currently – Chief of Staff for Senator Mary Landrieu

Donald Cravins came to LYS as a delegate in 1989. He served as a Junior Counselor in 1990 and 1991, a Counselor in 1992 and 1993, and as Assistant Program Director in 1994 and 1995. In 1996 and 1997, Donald led the Louisiana Youth Seminar serving as Program Director. He was inducted into the LYS 5 Year Club and the LYS Hall of Fame. He has served on the LYS Board of Directors and is currently a member of the LYS Advisory Board.

Since 2009, Cravins, Jr. has served in various roles in Sen. Landrieu's office. In 2006, Donald Cravins, Jr. was elected to the Louisiana State Senate representing the Lafayette/St. Landry Senate district. Prior to this, Donald served in the Louisiana State House at the same time that his father served in the Louisiana State Senate. In the history of the Louisiana Legislature, Donald Sr. and Donald Jr. are the only father-son duo to serve in the legislature at the same time. After graduating from Teurlings Catholic High School in Lafayette, Donald attended LSU in Baton Rouge. He became involved in student government at LSU and eventually went on to serve as President of the Southern University Law Center. Donald received his law degree from Southern University. Donald and his wife and two children make their home in Opelousas.

Donald continues to be very active in LYS and is very clear about the difference that LYS made in his life. When asked about LYS, Donald says: "I have lived the LYS experience both as a delegate and staff member. LYS changed my life by giving me the confidence and the skills to be successful in all facets of life."

The Independent Weekly featured Donald Cravins, Jr. in 2008.