Lady Ira Lewis, prominent humanitarian, and President of the award-winning Guyana American Heritage Foundation, New Jersey was appointed Global Peace Ambassador representing the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research, during a charity gala dinner on September 23.
Themed: Legacy let’s celebrate Trailblazers, Global Leaders, and Human Rights Defenders – the high-level five-hour event at the Scandinavian House on Park Avenue in Manhattan, was part of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Diplomacy of Excellence initiative.
Lewis who was elegantly dressed in a stunning red floor-length gown, befitting the evening’s 1000 Shades of Women Foundation ITL, in collaboration with Peacock Capital Advisors Group, said it was an honor to be recognized by such prestigious organizations.
The certificate that reads, “the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research has acknowledged your commitment and contribution to a peaceful society and the United Common Agenda towards a sustainable future,” also lauded the outstanding work Lewis has been doing in her community for more than 40 years.
Dr. Andrise Bass (PhD) founder, and Co-founder Carlos Manuel Perez Gonzalaz, of the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research, signed the certificate, and praised the honorees during the Excellence Awards Gala, attended by many dignitaries and diplomats.
Lewis, an Executive legislative aide to Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake, of the 34th Legislative District, New Jersey, and who has spearheaded food distributions, and played a pivotal role during the COVID pandemic, ensuring that residents received PPE, is passionate about giving back to the community.
She has a knack for mobilizing many people for a single event. This ability inspired Timberlake, a freeholder legislator, to recruit Lady Ira as her point person to rally the support she needed to get legislation to be tabled.
With the help of Lady Ira, the Assemblywoman was recently able to increase the minimum wage to $15 and she was the key player behind the sensible gun laws, which demand that persons buying guns are subjected to background checks.
Lady Ira is well known for promoting her multi-cultural Guyanese heritage by wearing the colors of the golden Arrowhead flag in all its glory.
The socialite, and charitable Lady Ira, as she is fondly called, has been saluted many times by her community, and the mayor of the City of East Orange.
For more that fourteen years, she has spearheaded an annual flag raising ceremony, and cultural extravaganza on the plaza of City Hall to celebrate Guyana’s Independence, where hundreds of awards and Citations were handed out to community leaders, performers, journalists, and those who have made contributions for the betterment of themselves, and their neighborhood.
Lady Ira Lewis who goes above and beyond for her community, serving with selfless devotion, and with a smile on her face, is also a founding member of the 14-year Caribbean American Family Fun Day event held at Monte Irving Park, NJ.
She has said that she does everything with purpose and is always willing to provide service wherever it’s needed. “I’m on a mission to help the vulnerable,” she said.
“Being a humanitarian is my thing… my weakness has always been to give support to people and help them to reach to the next level; to get out of poverty.”
It was through the Brooklyn-based non-profit United Bridge Builders Mission, she helped to realize, that she was able to help Guyanese boxing champion, Clive Atwell, undergo crucial corrective brain surgery, years ago.
Also, a musician Lewis is renowned for her skillful ability to play the clarinet. She keeps the community entertained under her LadyIra Promotions group. For all this, she has received numerous accolades.
Despite her busy community engagement and work schedule Lady Ira still finds time for her two grown children, Sherwin and Tandeica – and wife to Cornel Vieira Lewis.
The community would like to congratulate this phenomenal woman who has received numerous accolades, including the Guyana Cultural Association Award, Citations from Brooklyn Borough Hall, the City of East Orange, and the Jersey City Carnival Association, among others.
