We were lucky to catch up with Phillis Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Phillis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Almost two and a half years ago, I made the decision to make Love Doesn’t Hurt it’s own standalone non-profit and break away from our fiscal sponsor. I took the risk because I wanted to provide more holistic resources for victims of crime in the LGBTQ+ Community that addressed them as an individual. I liquidated my 401k and invested in myself to educate myself about the best practices of creating, building, and maintaining non-profits. Through my journey I had a lot of people pour into me to help guide me as I was figuring things out. They say taking that first step is the hardest because I was so nervous because of the unknown and what would happen if I failed that it kept me from seeing what happened if I didn’t fail. I’ve been doing this work for over 13 years and I absolutely love what I do. Taking that leap of faith and risk was the best decision that I could have made because now I feel I am doing work that is fulfilling to me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I began my work in this industry through my internship at the District Attorney’s Office and was hired after I graduated. During my time there I learned so much about the criminal justice system that has helped shape the advocate that I am. Working mostly on domestic violence related cases during my time there was very enlightening to see it from the court side. My mother was a victim of domestic violence and was in part one of the reason I chose this industry. I wanted to advocate for people the way someone should have advocated for her. No one should be afraid of someone that they are in a relationship with or a person that say they love them. Love Doesn’t Hurt…period The two main things I want people to know about our work is that we thrive to provide an environment that will be a stepping stone for victims of crime in the LGBTQ+ Community.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
As I was putting together structure for Love Doesn’t Hurt there were a few resources that I utilized to help guide me:
Momentum Nonprofit Partners
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Joyce Kyles Consulting LLC
Non-Profit AF
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
What helped me is cultural humility. I know I don’t know everything but I know the knowledge I lack it is my responsibility to go out and seek it. Everyone I come in contact with has their own story, journey, and barriers. A long time ago I was given the advice that the goals of your client and the goals you have for them may differ so put your ego aside and see how you can support them reaching their goals because they know themselves better than you know them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lovedoesnthurt901.com
- Instagram: lovedoesnthurt901
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovedoesnthurtlgbtq
- Twitter: LvDoesntHurt901
- Other: [email protected]