Page 24 - Lansing-NAACP-Freedom-Fund-Program
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NAACP LANSING
55TH FREEDOM FUND
CELEBRATION
LED US HERE! OCTOBER 16, 2021 | 8 PM
2021 Trailblazer Award
RACHEL WILLIS
Rachel Willis (Lewis) was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. A
Valedictorian Graduate of Lansing Everett High School and an alumna of
Michigan State University, Willis holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work
which she earned in 2015. Willis is heavily involved in the community. In
2011 she was elected to the Lansing School District Board of Education
and was re-elected to the position in 2018. During her time on the Board,
Willis has served as Board Secretary, Vice President and three years as
Board President. During her tenure on the Board, Willis has overseen
the procurement of a $120million bond which allowed for much needed
infrastructure upgrades to the buildings in Lansing public schools.
Willis served for six years on the Capital Region Community Foundation,
including one year as Board Chair. While on the board of the community
foundation Willis has also served as chair of the programs/grants
committee, overseeing the distribution of over $3million to the greater
Lansing community.
Among her awards are the 2018 Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce
and the Grand River Connection 10 Over the Next Ten Award, the Lansing
State Journal’s next generation of Black Leaders in 2018, and the Michigan
Federation for Children and Families’ 2019 Advocate, Collaborate, Make a
Difference Award.
With a professional career in social work, Willis is currently employed by
the State of Michigan in the Department of Health and Human Services as
the Director of Division of Child Welfare Licensing.