OUR KEY STAFF
Juanita O. Lewis, Executive Director
Juanita O. Lewis brings almost two decades of community and electoral organizing experience. She joined the staff of Community Voices Heard as the Yonkers Organizer in 2009, then Lead Westchester Organizer. In 2016, she was elevated to Hudson Valley Organizer Director and became Executive Director in 2021.
She was born and raised in Saint Paul, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.A. in History and Political Science, and with her Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership Degree from the University of Minnesota. Juanita began her work as a community organizer with the Minnesota chapter of ACORN. Since 2004, she has worked on numerous electoral campaigns at the city, state and federal level in different staffing capacities.
Juanita is a national trainer with VoteRunLead, a non-partisan organization that trains women to run for office from across the country. She has trained hundreds of women to run for local, state and federal office.
She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and board member for African Communities Together.
Pronouns: She/Her
Jessica Douglas, Political Director
Jessica Mireya Douglas is an accomplished political professional who serves as the Political Director at Community Voices Heard, where she channels her fervent commitment to community empowerment and social justice. Joining the organization in 2023, she brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering dedication to public service. Jessica's career path is marked by significant contributions, including her introduction to the organization through her work with Participatory Budgeting when she worked for former Council Member I. Daneek Miller. Jessica is a lifelong New Yorker, hailing from the vibrant boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. Her journey thus far exemplifies her vision for a more equitable society where the voices of marginalized communities are heard and valued.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Jessica is a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., committed to scholarship, service, sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood. Her affiliation reflects her deep commitment to community service and creating positive change. Jessica is also aLife Memberof the NAACP,further highlighting her dedication to advocacy and social justice.
As the Political Director at Community Voices Heard, Jessica is deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, and driving political change that leads to a more inclusive and equitable society. Her multifaceted experience, combined with her active role in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and the NAACP, reinforces her unwavering passion for community engagement and creating a better future for all.
Pronouns: She/Her
Cheryl Watts, Political Organizer
Cheryl Watts came to Community Voices Heard from Speaker Adrienne Adams' office, where she worked as a Constituent Liaison. She has been a member of Community Voices Heard since 2017 when her Bishop invited her to a meeting. She started working on the housing campaign to fully fund NYCHA, and from there joined the political process of endorsing candidates. She has been one of the leaders of the Follow Black Women campaign since its inception. She was also a previous Board Member of CVH Power for almost 2 years before making the decision to become Political Organizer at CVH.
Pronouns: She/Her
Want to get in touch? Reach out to Cheryl at cheryl@cvhpower.org
Looking for the full staff of our sister organization, Community Voices Heard? Click here.