After experiencing life as a teen-mom, one longtime Detroiter wants to help others by founding a nonprofit for teen girls and hosting community giveaways for young moms.
Olivia Lewis
Olivia Lewis is a former Gannett news reporter. She covered social justice and opportunity for the Battle Creek Enquirer before transitioning to the Indianapolis Star to cover Hamilton County. Her byline has appeared in the Houston Chronicle and the Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia, among other publications.
Lewis joins the BridgeDetroit team following a stint in the charitable sector. She has worked with Direct Relief International, the Kresge Foundation, and most recently the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF). While at CMF, Lewis created the first Policy Brief publication in partnership with the Office of Foundation Liaison.
Lewis is a graduate of Hampton University and received her master of public policy degree from the University of Michigan.
Though a North Carolina native, Lewis has strong family ties to the Great Lakes State and is proud to call Detroit her home.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
Meet the 2 write-ins hoping to unseat embattled Benson in District 3
Two write-in candidates are hoping to defeat Scott Benson in District 3 in wake of FBI investigation into the councilmember.
Posted inJobs & Economic Development
More jobs, salaries going up — but not for many Detroiters
Although Detroit’s jobs outlook is improving, city residents are still struggling for a foothold. Suburban counterparts earn more and vast inequity remains.
Posted inPolitical and Public Policy Information
From reparations to ‘shrooms, here’s a look at Nov. 2 ballot issues
Detroiters will vote on ordinances regarding possession of psychedelics, citizen input in City appropriations and the construction of a reparations taskforce on Nov. 2.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Belle Isle Nature Center undergoing $2 million renovation
Programs and services at the state-run park are expected to increase in Detroit. Park leaders say they continue to prioritize increasing Detroiters’ access to educational, environmental and natural experiences.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
City Council protects future of the Detroit riverfront
Property owners along the riverfront must register with the City and follow more stringent inspection and safety protocols to maintain the riverfront and protect Detroit’s drinking water. The move was spurred by a 2019 dock collapse that exposed the river to potentially hazardous materials.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
‘The Scene’ reunion celebrates Detroit’s dance history
Detroit was home to the nation’s first Black-owned and operated television station, which aired the popular dance show “The Scene” in the 1970s and ’80s. Longtime host Nat Morris returned with friends to Beacon Park to create the city’s longest dance line.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Mackinac panelists: Reparations are the path to economic prosperity
Equity experts joined the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss how systemic racism has perpetuated the racial wealth gap in Michigan and how reparative policy can reverse those outcomes.
Posted inEducation
Poll shows Michigan taxpayers willing to pay for children’s education
Support for education was a leading topic on the first day of the 2021 Mackinac Policy Conference. A recent poll supported by the Skillman Foundation shows Michiganders are willing to pay more in taxes for their children’s education.
Posted inCivic and Community Information
Preliminary investigation: GLWA not at fault for metro Detroit floods
Great Lakes Water Authority officials say they aren’t at fault for the floods that have plagued Detroit and some suburbs this summer, but they’re updating procedures anyway.