Summer Lewis, co-founder of True Roots, was named as one of three awardees recognized as outstanding alumni by the Kansas State University College of Arts and Sciences.
Summer received the College’s Young Alumni Award, which commends alumni who have excelled in providing humanitarian services early on in their careers.
Summer graduated from K-State in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Sociology and Women’s Studies. Her close bond with the university has continued into her further studies and work in international development, specifically in the areas of fair trade, the coffee value chain, gender equity, and peace and conflict resolution. Summer is also an adjunct faculty member of Kansas State University, and has created and teaches two online courses: “International Development” for Landscape Architecture, Regional and Community Planning’s Master of Community Development program; and “Women and Globalization,” an undergraduate course in Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies, focused on gender equity and women’s contribution at various levels of the coffee value chain.
Summer attended the awards celebration in Kansas and took the opportunity to share with peers and students at her alma mater.
In collaboration with the university departments of Gender, Women and Sexuality studies, Modern Languages, and Sociology, Anthropology and Social work, she presented: “Advocating for Gender Equity, Peace, and Sustainable Development: Notes from a Wildcat in the Field.”
Summer reflected on her academic and professional journey in the talk, weaving together stories from her work in economic development, gender equity, and peace and conflict resolution. She also offered advice to those looking to make a positive impact in the world.
Congratulations, Summer, and thank you for supporting others on their development journeys by sharing your experience.
Read more about Summer and the other accomplished KSU alumni in the Manhattan Mercury and in the Topeka Capital Journal.