Summer Lewis
Convening and connecting people, and building programs that turn complexity into coordinated action.
I believe meaningful change happens when the right people connect and collaborate. For more than twenty years I have designed the spaces, conversations, and experiences that make that possible, from intimate fireside chats to global convenings, turning ideas into action and strangers into a network.
How I Add Value
Convening
Bringing diverse stakeholders together around the conversations that matter most.
Conference & Event Design
Intentional events from early concept to run-of-show, built for genuine engagement.
Speaking & Moderation
Keynotes, lectures, fireside chats, and panels that move audiences to action.
Workshops & Facilitation
Interactive sessions that spark participation and yield practical takeaways.
Content Curation
Themes, speakers, and learning journeys that turn ideas into memorable experiences.
Strategic Advising
Partnership development, program strategy, and behind-the-scenes support.
Curating the Conversation
Peace Park & Peace Exchange Studio
Designed and produced the Peace Park and Peace Exchange Studio, curating conversations among Rotary Peace Fellows, senior leaders, major donors, and peacebuilding practitioners for a global audience. ▸ Watch the sessions
Commencement Keynote
Delivered the commencement address to more than 600 graduates and families, on why relationships are our greatest asset and why the ability to build trust is something technology will never replace.
Fireside Chat Designer & Moderator
Designed and moderated “Everyday Peacebuilding: Dialogues Across Divides,” guiding a conversation among three peacebuilders including a Past Rotary International Director, and preparing the full arc behind the scenes.
Featured Speaker
Presented “Working Toward Peace,” introducing Positive Peace as central to Rotary’s ethos, to more than 500 incoming District Governors from around the world.
Global Learning Experience Design
Designed and managed a global portfolio of Positive Peace trainings and convenings, helping grow an international network of nearly 400 Positive Peace Activators across eight cohorts and eleven trainings.
University Teaching
Designed and taught graduate and undergraduate courses connecting international development theory with real-world practice.
“Summer’s leadership has been nothing short of exceptional. Her work has directly contributed to building the capacities of peacebuilders worldwide.”
Steve Killelea, AMFounder & Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics & Peace
“Summer is the rare strategist who commands a stage of hundreds and then pivots to the behind-the-scenes work required to make a global program function.”
Ingrid NeitschPast District Governor, Rotary District 5370
“Summer has a rare talent for seeing the synergies between people, and for bringing together individuals with diverse expertise to create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
Mark Panayiotis NotarasFounder, Empathos and Trust Intelligence
“I have watched Summer’s ‘Working Towards Peace’ talk dozens of times over the years; it continues to resonate and has served as a foundation and inspiration all these years later.”
Alexandra RoseVisiting Lecturer, UNC Chapel Hill
