Alumni Spotlight on Rebecca Lewis: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Holder
In our Alumni Spotlight series, we highlight outstanding Award Holders and share their experience. We hope to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire others in the Award family.
For our Spring 2025 Spotlight, we will hear from Rebecca Lewis, a Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award Holder from the United Kingdom. Rebecca is currently serving as the Director of Infrastructure for North America for the UK Department of Trade and Investment out of the British Consulate General’s Office of New York.
Tell us a little about yourself!
After high school, I took a gap year to work. I then went to college and received a BA in International Business – and was fortunate to both study abroad in Canada and work in New York as part of the program. I was excited by New York and had such a fantastic experience that I wanted to move back to the US and work after college. It didn’t happen straight away – I worked for a multinational beverage company in the UK for a short time before securing a role with the British Consulate in Chicago. I later moved on promotion to New York and have spent two decades supporting economic wealth and job creation for the UK, specializing mostly in the energy and infrastructure sectors. I now lead the British Government’s trade and investment interests across infrastructure between the US and UK – supporting rail, airports, construction and logistics opportunities that are the foundation for economic growth. I think my program of studies and early career experiences set the groundwork for my obsession with travel and living overseas whilst still be inherently connected to the UK.
How did you first hear about the Award, and why did you decide to participate?
I was fortunate – this was an offer from the high school I attended and my class year (and others) were able to participate in the full Award Program starting with Bronze, and Silver the following year; the Gold Level was then an elective option – and I never start something I’m not going to finish! The Gold Award Level Program had also previously supported global initiatives and that struck an interest for me as travel is a passion. I didn’t end up overseas but did make it to Bodmin Moor in the southwest of the UK, a region I ultimately ended up in for college.
How did your Award Leader and the goal-oriented framework of the Award support you to make progress in your activities?
Aspects of my Gold Level experience really stand out. At Gold, my Award Leader helped guide me and my teammates to find a challenging opportunity to explore for our Adventurous Journey. Our team then came up with a plan focused on mining resources in the region, from the 18th and 19th centuries and their subsequent impact on the landscape. Ironically, the line of work I am in now discusses critical minerals and mining so the project definitely came in handy.
What was the most meaningful memory of your Award experience?
I recall getting lost and realizing that was not the end of the world. I’ve taken that approach to my travels around the world ever since. It can lead to fascinating experiences and lessens the fear associated with the unknown.
How did the Award equip you to assume the responsibilities in your current role?
The Award instilled in me the value of teamwork, collaboration and communication. I learned the value of having a plan to follow but not letting the rigors of that plan prevent me from thinking outside the box.
How have you found ways to continue engaging with your community after the Award?
Since completing my own Award journey and relocating to the United States, I have stayed connected to the Award community by supporting Philadelphia Award Participants over the years. I have attended several Award Ceremonies recognizing their achievements – particularly when I held a leadership role for my department’s relationship with the City of Philadelphia. It is great to see the program continuing to support student growth and experiences across the world.
Why would you recommend the Award to others?
The Award is a great way to experience projects and interests that help shape your views of the world. It also helps you to test new life skills beyond those from traditional education and can support all people to be the best they can be.