We were lucky to catch up with CAMILLE LEWIS recently and have shared our conversation below.
CAMILLE, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I’ve always had a fondness for this question. Growing up, I gravitated towards a softer approach, balancing a gentle demeanor with outspokenness. Outdoor sports and sweating weren’t my preference. Others seemed to foresee my future before I did, onlookers offering unsolicited advice to my mother. She steadfastly defended me, asserting, “I wish you all would please stop telling me how to raise my child.” Those words were like a comforting shield for a young, uncertain child navigating life’s uncertainty. I count myself fortunate as speculation about my life’s twists and turns intensified, leading me to find fulfillment in Drag entertainment and discovering mental and physical connection along the way. One late night, while everyone else slept, my mother called me into her room and said, “I’m going to love you no matter what, and whatever you choose to be, be the best at it.” I embraced those words wholeheartedly, propelled forward as if was chasing a departing bus. With my mother’s unwavering support, others soon fell into line. but at that point in it didn’t matter I had my mother’s blessing. Having that support enabled me to be truthful with myself and discover my own journey. It was exhilarating to realize that there’s nothing inherently wrong with me; I’m not cursed, broken, or confused. Instead, I am a Black woman of trans experience. Living authentically saved my life and empowered me to assist others. I’m proud to say I’ve been in my career for nearly a decade.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Camille Danyell Lewis, originally hailing from St. Petersburg, Florida and now calling Fort Lauderdale, Florida home, is an inspiring individual. She is a dedicated activist and a crucial part of her community, especially in South Florida. Camille’s notable contributions include the launch of the “Transllumanti” program in Miami back in 2014, which was specifically designed to provide support to the transgender community.
Her passion lies in reducing barriers to access to HIV prevention and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Camille’s extensive work experience in South Florida encompasses roles as an event host, program manager, senior health educator, and community project consultant. She’s gone beyond her local community, traveling across the United States to connect underserved and marginalized communities with essential services. Today, Camille Lewis proudly serves as the Executive Director of ColorNRaw, an organization dedicated to supporting Black TLGBQ+ youth.
During her leisure time, Camille enjoys a diverse range of activities, including makeup artistry, traveling, and participating in Ballroom and Pageant competitions. Her unwavering commitment to her community, combined with her multifaceted interests, solidify her as a truly remarkable and impactful individual.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My supervisor at my previous job was more than management he was my mentor and friend and unapologetic about seeing something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Firstly, my mentor took takes risks that demonstrates courage and resilience, showing me that it’s okay to step outside of the familiar and embrace challenges. By witnessing his willingness to take calculated risks, I learned the importance of seizing opportunities and embracing change.
Secondly, he invested in me showed me genuine belief in my potential. he dedicated time, energy, and resources to help me develop my skills, broaden my perspectives, and achieve my goals. This investment fostered a sense of accountability and motivation, encouraging me to strive for excellence.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
By never forgetting my humble beginnings was and is essential for staying grounded and connected to my roots. It’s a reminder of where I came from, the struggles I faced, and the people who helped me along the way. By maintaining this awareness, I remain humble and grateful, understanding the value of empathy and compassion.
Serving the communities as you would want in return is a reflection of the golden rule: treating others as you would like to be treated. It involves giving back, supporting those in need, and making a positive impact wherever possible. Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, or simply lending a helping hand, serving the community is a way to pay forward the kindness and support you received.
Ultimately, remembering your humble beginnings and serving the communities aligns with the idea of reciprocity and creating a cycle of kindness and generosity. It’s about being mindful of the interconnectedness of humanity and recognizing that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ColorNRaw.org
- Instagram: ColoNRaw
- Facebook: ColorNRaw
Image Credits
all graphics were designed by Jasmine Mckenzie