40 Under 40: Navy veteran Kayla Lewis takes pride in helping fellow service members
PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY
Navy veteran Kayla Lewis is the founder of Upward Consulting in Biddeford
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Significant professional accomplishment: Although I am tempted to say starting Upward Consulting, my most significant professional accomplishment has happened due to Upward Consulting.
Through Upward Consulting, I have been able to work with community partners to assist with implementing community programming that has enriched the lives of veterans experiencing homelessness. As a veteran, it has been an honor to use my skill set to serve my fellow veterans.
Passion project: All of my passion projects, at the moment, stem from cooking. Currently, I am enthralled with supporting and sourcing ingredients from local organic producers.
I am a firm believer in the community-supported agriculture model. Supporting producers who aim to keep my family and community safe and healthy through holistic agricultural practices is more than worth my dollar. In addition to my other food-based hobbies, I am volunteering at my local community garden.
‘Lightbulb’ moment: The turning point for me as a professional occurred during the end of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
At the time, I was volunteering at a local community center that served low-income families and community members experiencing homelessness. I saw firsthand how policy, program design and subsequent program curtailment, disproportionately impacted underserved communities. Such an experience spurred my passion to pursue program design.
Audacious goal: At the moment, my most audacious goal is to become a government vendor, to increase the availability of collaborative social change opportunities within York County.
Favorite quote: “She who shows up wins” — Courtney Gary-Allen, at the Maine National Education for Women Leadership program.
Influential book: “The Things They Carried,” by Tim O’Brien
Favorite TV show: “Parks and Recreation”
Best way to recharge: Long walks, cooking, hanging out with friends, and watching “Great British Menu.”
At age 60: At a candlelit dinner table engrossed in eating superb food with my loving family and friends.
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