With a long list of accomplishments and community and career involvement, Christopher Lewis, a Skyline High School alum, Class of 2003, wasted little time building an impressive career. He has managed to cram a lot of things into his life since graduating from high school, including a seven-year stint in the U.S. Navy.
Today Lewis is an electrical engineer who reaches back to bring others forward into their own dreams.
AlumNow, The Hub feature that profiles district alumni, caught up with this busy professional for an update.
What are you doing now?
I’m a subscriber data management engineer at Nokia, where I proactively plan and perform advanced technical activities requiring knowledge in multiple areas or on a system-level to service North American cellular companies.
Briefly list a few of your career and/or personal highlights.
- Awarded numerous commendations and honors for leadership, technical knowledge and military acumen during my service in the U.S. Navy;
- Vice President of the National Society of Black Engineers DFW Chapter, which has several STEM initiatives for students within Southern Dallas;
- Co-founded Dallas Men Empowerment Network, which mentors young men in single-family homes;
- Selected to the 2015 Class of the Mayor’s Star Council to support Mayor Rawling’s vision to connect, learn and serve in the city with other young professionals;
- Co-creator of The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Science Nights in partnership with Dallas ISD STEM Department;
- Serve on The Real Estate Council (TREC) Community Fund Advisory Board, which provides access to capital through loans and technical assistance in low-income areas of Dallas and Collin Counties;
- Alumni Working Group Lead – Nokia Graduate Engineering Program (GEP), where I develop strategies and devise solutions from feedback of entry-level engineers after they complete the company’s graduate engineering program.
What was your favorite subject or activity/involvement in high school?
Math was my favorite subject because it’s one subject that is at the core of all technological advancements in society. As someone who is a huge advocate of technology, I was able to understand how math is utilized to develop many commonly used devices.
I also liked student government and enjoyed working with fellow classmates to create opportunities to make our experiences memorable and create sustainable programs.
I have to also mention the dual credit program at El Centro-Downtown. The opportunity to gain college credit and experience was great.
Who was your favorite teacher?
My fourth-grade math teacher, Mrs. Coleman. She gave me the support I needed to understand the importance of an education outside of my grandparents. She was so pleasant every day and taught with an unmatched passion. She had the sweetest heart like a mom to all of us in her classroom. I think it’s important to have a strong relationship with students because they’re under the teacher’s tutelage for 8-9 hours a day, so that teacher has a heavy influence on the students’ outlook on school.
What advice, if any, would you offer to high school students today?
I would encourage students to strive every day to be the change that they would like to see. As you move forward each day, your actions now will define who you are later in life. Also, be open to stepping out of your comfort zone because complacency will never allow you to find your purpose and passion in life.
College/University and degree earned:
B.S. in electrical engineering, University of North Texas, 2012.
If you are a Dallas ISD alum and would like to be considered for an AlumNow spotlight, please complete the questionnaire and submit along with a recent high-resolution headshot. We look forward to catching up with you and sharing your accomplishments.
