KEVIN LEWIS PRESS SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DIRECTOR OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDIA, WHITE HOUSE AT TIME OF PHOTO)
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE YOU ARE WORKING ON? I enjoy working on a range of policy priorities of the President, from targeted programs like Promise Zones aimed to help build stronger communities to college affordability programs that create ladders of opportunity for underserved young people and quality affordable health care for American families that have previously been denied access because of pre-existing conditions. I have the privilege of not only working for a president who is extremely dedicated to building more economic security for so many Americans, but I also get to work with an extraordinary staff who give every bit of their time to carry out that vision. WHAT IS THE MOST PRESSING WORLD PROBLEM TODAY? There are several, but I think that global education and literacy would be one of my top concerns. A strong education is one of the best ways to level the playing field and create a pathway to equality. FAVORITE LOCAL HANGOUTS/RESTAURANTS/BARS? Civil Cigar Bar, The Gibson, Chez Billy, Oohhs and Aahhs for comfort food, Patty Boom Boom for good reggae. WEBSITES YOU VISIT MOST? TheGrio.com, NYtimes.com, Suite Supply TONYA WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT, THE WHITE HOUSE
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE YOU ARE WORKING ON? Job creation. The administration continues to work on a number of legislative and executive initiatives, as well as the pursuit of public-private partnerships to create job training and employment opportunities. As the vice president has repeatedly stated, a job is about more than a paycheck. It is about dignity. It is paramount that we provide an opportunity for hardworking individuals to be productive citizens and contributing members of their communities. It is also important that we establish and maintain a living/ minimum wage that rewards hard work. MOTTO/QUOTE YOU LIVE BY? “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” FAVORITE CHARITY/CAUSE? National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP)/Be The Match Registry. They accept monetary donations, but its primary purpose is to register and match patients suffering from blood cancers with unrelated donors. This program is particularly personal to me
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because my father died of leukemia when I was 18 months old, and African Americans have the lowest chance of being matched, which makes registry and donation that much more important. ALL-TIME FAVORITE BOOK? “Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson” by Robert A. Caro. Lyndon Johnson is one of the most fascinating and skillful politicians in U.S. history. The book showcases his keen understanding of people, Congress as an institution and the fundamentals of power, all of which he used to succeed in passing historic legislation and promoting an agenda of opportunity and equality. FAVORITE APPS? Redfin/Zillow I am mildly obsessed with D.C. real estate. Google Maps I have a horrible sense of direction. Good Enterprise allows me to connect to my work email and computer systems for the White House and the Senate on my iPhone and iPad so I don’t have to carry three or more devices.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
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