Barbara Lewis

Barbara Lewis moved from a farm outside of Mobile, Alabama, to Virginia Beach, 66 years ago Lewis is known for her ability to teach manners, operating ‘Charm Associates’ For 30 years with genuine Southern charm, and so much more!

Prior to founding Charm School, she taught classes at a college-level finishing school for 15 years. Her successful career led her to receiving in 2022 First Citizen of Virginia Beach from Virginia Jaycees. Clark Thompson, Virginia Jaycees State President , said Lewis was selected because of her lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation. During the induction ceremony a panel of six read nearly 20 letters of recommendation about why she was deserving of this special award.

Lewis founded Town Center City Club in 2004 and is known as a “Force Multiplier”. “The club has been a real asset to Virginia Beach. It’s a private club for business professionals and corporate events with over 300 members and she I love every one of them!” states Lewis.

A tremendous supporter of the arts, Lewis helped raise $2.5 million dollars for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and the Virginia Musical Theatre. She established the Outstanding Professional Women’s Awards in 1982 to create role models and motivation for other women. She also created Dancing with the Hampton Roads Celebrity Stars fundraiser. Barbara has also helped raise money for other local organizations such as the Lynnhaven River 2007 Project, Hope House, and the United Way.

Barbara shares that it has been remarkable to see all the development over the years, and that “living here in VB is better than anywhere in the world!”. Asked about her secrets to success she offers “It’s important to be a good citizen, be charitable, and keep the bottom line in the black”.

Not one to sit idle, Lewis, has no plan to retire. Lewis still loves to go to work every day!”, she said, “I’m just a nice little old lady that loves the city, and if that’s the requirement to stay here, I certainly meet that requirement.”

SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE COLLECT VB:

This student-led group is guided by local educators, VB Human Rights Commissioners, and other partners to implement best practices within their schools and communities centered on raising awareness for mental health well-being and cultivating a culture of nonviolence. Participating school leaders can earn Season for Nonviolence Flags for their schools.

VIRGINIA BEACH GIRL SCOUTS:

A local girl scout troop will lead clean up efforts in ViBe District gardens during the Season as a peaceful activity to foster community-building and civic leadership.

NAMI COASTAL VIRGINIA

During the Season for Nonviolence, NAMI will host public sessions for mental health awareness. For more details, visit: NAMI Coastal Virginia | National Alliance on Mental Illness

VB LIBRARIES TO PARTNER:

Virginia Beach Libraries will partner in this effort to host displays inside each of the City of Virginia Beach Public Libraries highlighting books, reading lists, music lists, mental health well-being in support of this global movement and the local community grass-roots initiative.

PUBLIC AWARENESS INITIATIVE:

Season for Nonviolence posters will be shared and posted in ViBe businesses and along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to encourage the public to seek resources for mental health and bring awareness to nonviolence.

VB SCHOOLS STUDENT & FACULTY ART COMPETITION

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will sponsor a City-wide student and faculty art competition inspired by the Season for Nonviolence VB efforts with prizes for elementary, middle, and high school students as well as faculty.

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