For over 20 years, Cheryl Lewis has been seizing opportunities to share the stories of fascinating people. When she was 12, she entered a public speaking competition and strode down the aisle of a packed auditorium, waving an American flag and singing, “You’re a grand old flag!” Once at the podium, she told the inspirational stories of community members and savored the illumination and appreciation she witnessed as the audience recognized new light in their neighbors. Her shiny trophy was icing.
That early experience created an appetite for sharing stories that continues.
She has amassed, as an award-winning journalist and editor, scores of magazine and newspaper columns and articles that shed light on the courageous and interesting lives around her. In 2001, she was selected by Ladies Home Journal to write its front-page coverage following the 9/11 tragedy. She also got the nod by nationally acclaimed and syndicated radio talk show host Neal Boortz to help write and edit his NY Times number-one bestseller, The Fair Tax. In addition to ghostwriting several manuscripts for local and regional authors, Cheryl was asked by Atlanta’s Varsity restaurant to interview dozens of longtime patrons for its celebratory 75th anniversary book. She also wrote one especially stirring graduation speech for Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank – but he never gave it. Sometimes, life just refuses to be perfect, doesn’t it?(smile)
She has also enjoyed corporate success.
Due to her expertise in weaving communications links, she was invited to become an international communications director of Sidel, a French-based global manufacturing leader in the packaging industry. Her grasp of media and its intricacies, as well as competence in branding, advertising, public relations and event planning led the company during its challenging transition after being purchased by a Swiss company.
She was also engaged by Dallas-based ClubCorp, an international network of private membership clubs, as a club development marketing specialist to evaluate market conditions, identify viable sites for profitable clubs and engage community leaders as board members to promote club expansion. She put in place member relations programs, as well as instituted communications tools such as newsletters and special events.
Most recently, she was global communications manager for All Hands Volunteers, a disaster relief organization that serves communities in need. Check them out at www.hands.org—they are the real deal and are doing great things around the world.
As founder of MarketMatters, a full-service marketing and publicity firm, Cheryl Lewis caters to clientele who simply want others to benefit from life experience. Her clients include those whose compelling stories revolve around engaging lessons: spiritual, professional, emotional and experiential. Her expertise continues to include writing and editing, as well as garnering exceptional media and publicity through custom representation, including public relations, press kits, Web site content, print and online feature articles, book signings, radio and television appearances, etc.
Cheryl Lewis is a member (and former multi-campus Transit communications staff member) of Atlanta’s North Point Community Church, the wife of a remarkable man, mom of two teens, and trusts that her writing and communication skills, as well as her life experiences, were not chance. She wishes to honor God for His gifts to her and others by sharing education, comfort and inspiration.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylrlewis
To Contact: Cheryl@CherylLewis.com
Rick - Wow, now I have a new favorite writer. Keep up the wonderful work. I have a lot of catching up to do.