Lewis Graduates from Ohio Bar Association Leadership Academy

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Youngstown lawyer Sharay Lewis is among 27 Ohio attorneys to graduate from the Ohio State Bar Association’s 2023 Leadership Academy.

The academy is designed to nurture and prepare lawyers for effective leadership in the association, the legal profession and their communities. The interactive training program takes place across a five-month period in six sessions during which participants interact with a diverse group of seasoned attorneys and other professionals, learning about topics such as civility, ethics and professionalism.

Lewis is an assistant public defender and the president and founder of Building Minority Leadership Inc., an organization that addresses challenges affecting minority populations by incorporating education, mentorship and leadership to reduce risk factors that lead to crime and recidivism.

She was born and raised in Youngstown and is a first-generation attorney. As a law student, she worked as a summer associate for Community Legal Aid. She also served as the diversity chair of the American Constitution Society and was awarded best advocate at the University of Akron School of Law Summer Trial Academy in 2019.

Lewis has also been recognized by the Ohio Supreme Court of Ohio and the Access to Justice Foundation for exceptional pro bono service. Lewis earned her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University and her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law.

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