Summer Lewis

Summer is an international development strategist, peacebuilder, and lifelong musician who believes that human capacity — nurtured through creativity, connection, and opportunity — is the most powerful driver of sustainable change. With experience across more than 40 countries, she brings a global perspective to nonprofit strategy, peacebuilding, and program impact.

 Summer holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Sociology, and Women’s Studies from Kansas State University. She received the Rotary Peace Fellowship in 2011, earning a master’s degree in International Studies: Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Australia.

 From 2017 to 2025, Summer led Rotary International’s global partnership with the Institute for Economics & Peace, designing and managing programs that equipped peacebuilders with tools to advance Positive Peace. She is also co-founder of True Roots, a consulting firm that helps mission-driven organizations design and evaluate programs that center people, purpose, and long-term impact.

 Based in Oaxaca, Mexico since 2013, Summer continues to explore the intersection of social change, arts, and culture. She performs with a local music ensemble and supports community-based cultural initiatives. She sees music, literacy, and peacebuilding as interconnected forces — each a pathway to expression, resilience, and connection. Summer brings to the Libros Para Pueblo Board a holistic, values-driven perspective grounded in the belief that when people are supported to grow, create, and contribute, everyone benefits.