Mary C. Lewis
A lover of language in all forms and a word laborer who is not shy about correcting errors, Mary C. Lewis balances her enthusiasm for grammar with a commitment to act creatively on her knowledge.
Mary began her career as editorial assistant and then managing editor of Ebony Jr! (Johnson Publishing), entering self-employment three years later. She has edited book manuscripts; served as “last eyes” on stewardship reports and classroom guides; helped implement first responses to the Affordable Care Act; and composed intranet articles for a global investment firm. Her latest job, as a senior editor, involves her in analyses of transformative destinations.
Other work focuses on sharing her editorial knowledge with students and lifelong learners at Columbia College Chicago; River Oak Arts; and the after-school programs at Dumas Elementary School.
Mary also unearths characters’ footsteps and voices, to bring collective fulfillment to as many ancestors and contemporaries as her daily 4 a.m. rising allows. eMerge has published her short fiction, and her essays appeared in Under Her Skin and Sleeping with One Eye Open. Her début novel, Strangers and Pilgrims, will extend to a sequel.
“The Teach-in,” Under Her Skin, Seal Press, 2004
Image sourced from the Public Domain Image Archives
My Nonfiction in Books
“Awakening,” In Praise of Our Teachers, Beacon Press, 2003
My Portfolio
“Administrative Professionals Day”
(This excerpt is from a 2022 intranet article I wrote. The article was part of my Robert Half assignment with William Blair.)
Whether we are in-person or remote colleagues, administrative professionals are an integral part of effective workplaces. They well deserve Administrative Professionals Day. April 27, 2022, is set aside to applaud admin pros, including the more than 18 million office workers in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2021.
In 1942, those working in the profession founded the National Secretaries Association (NSA), to uphold standards and encourage members’ importance to overall commerce. Ten years later, the NSA established National Secretaries Week. With many women leaving wartime office jobs and returning to homemaking, companies had staffing shortages; the NSA hoped the celebration would draw women’s attention to wage-earning possibilities. Designating a week was mainly to accommodate bookings at restaurants—many businesses took their staff out for lunch in tribute. In 1955, the celebration moved to a week in April….
“Year-End Philanthropic Strategy and DAFs”
(This excerpt from a 2022 intranet article was part of my Robert Half assignment with William Blair.)
How can individuals move beyond one-note charitable giving to orchestrate thoughtful wealth planning and management? Is this possible given the current markets? Leading a discussion of these and other questions during the November 17, 2022, Virtual Power Half Hour were Laura Coy, head of Philanthropic Strategy and ESG Integration; and Jim Alverson, vice president and senior wealth planner in private wealth advising.
Knowing the basics helps to demystify year-end tools known as donor-advised funds (DAFs), charitable investment accounts to support charitable organizations you care about. By using a DAF, you can direct your charitable giving toward investments in tax-free growth and the money can go via grants to organizations of your choosing….
“Selective Listening and Resistance,” Sleeping with One Eye Open, University of Georgia Press, 1999
Herstory, African American Images, 1980