Meet Jerome Lewis, Mba, Pmp | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerome Lewis, Mba, Pmp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerome, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting Them2us was really about creating mentorship opportunities through networking. In today’s world, collaboration is key. We have to work together, supporting our brothers and sisters because you never know what kind of help we can offer one another. When I started my missions to Africa, it honestly changed my perspective on life. After my first mission, I realized that even one person in this big world can make a difference. That impact you make becomes your legacy, and that’s what drives me—creating meaningful, lasting impact.

What should our readers know about your business?
Sure! So my business, Them2us, is all about creating opportunities and building connections, especially for minority professionals and the LGBTQAI+ community. What sets us apart is our focus on mentorship and making sure people have the support they need to succeed. We’re not just about networking, we’re about creating real pathways to jobs, education, and opportunities that might not have been easily accessible before. I’m really proud of how we’ve helped over 7,200 people connect to career opportunities and the fact that hundreds have landed jobs because of our initiatives.

How did I get here? Honestly, it wasn’t easy. I had to put in a lot of hard work and face a lot of setbacks along the way. One of the biggest challenges was starting out as a small nonprofit and trying to build trust with people and organizations. It took time to prove that we could deliver real value and make a difference. I overcame these challenges by staying persistent and keeping the mission at the center of everything. Having a strong network of supporters and mentors also made a big difference.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t do it all on your own. Building relationships and finding people who believe in your vision is key. I also learned the importance of staying flexible. Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned, and you have to be able to pivot and find another way forward.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my brand and story, it’s that I’m here to create real change. Whether it’s helping minority professionals find their career paths, supporting LGBTQAI+ talent, or making a difference for orphaned kids in Africa, my work is about lifting people up and creating opportunities where they didn’t exist before. Them2us isn’t just a business, it’s a movement for positive change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting D.C. for a week, I’d take them to all my favorite spots. First up, we’d hit Park at 14th—it’s always a good time with great energy, music, and food. We’d grab a bottle of Prosecco and let the night unfold from there.

For Sunday brunch, Focus Social Club is a must—it’s all about the vibe, and it’s always lit. After brunch, we’d swing by Cha Cha Lounge for a fun Sunday Funday, and if we’re still feeling it, we’d head over to Thrust Lounge for some laid-back drinks.

We definitely can’t skip Jerk at Nite, my favorite spot. It started as a food truck and has grown into an awesome restaurant and lounge. The jerk chicken is unbeatable!

We’d mix in the touristy stuff too—the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and some Smithsonian museums. Plus, we’d check out U Street for live music, food, and any pop-up events happening.

Overall, it’d be a week of great food, good vibes, and the best of what D.C. has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to give that shoutout to my mother, without a doubt. Growing up, I saw her as a single, dark-skinned, heavyset Black woman raising four kids on her own. Every day, she got up, caught the bus, dealt with all of us (and trust me, we weren’t always easy), and worked hard to keep us together and safe. She encouraged us in ways that still push me today. I’ll never forget seeing her get on that bus to go to work at Burger King for what felt like pennies. That image motivates me every single day. She taught me the true meaning of resilience and hard work. “Put your Best foot forward” “Have Some Get up and go about yourself”

Website: https://www.them2us.com

Instagram: @zay_zae

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/jeromeplewis

Twitter: zay_407