Rosalind Walker-Lewis
Engineer
CEO, R2D2 Enterprises LLC (Consulting) and
Dream Innovation and Technology Center (Youth S.T.E.M.)
Can you share your journey into the work you do? What experiences, moments, or values led you here?
Reflection of my journey begins with the expectations of high achievement from my
mother, Georgia Ann Walker. A high school graduate with some college, her children
WOULD achieve. She understood the importance of education to give me and my
sister a chance to make a way in this society to ensure we had what we needed to
thrive. College attendance was expected! In high school, I was one of three girls of
color who excelled academically in science and math. We often competed against one
another to push higher. For college, my career choice started as chemical engineering
with a transition to industrial engineering. “Chemical” didn’t settle well with who I was at that time. As I researched further into “Industrial”, I found my home… People, Process, Improvement for the better. I further developed my leadership skills and joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Corporate America and various defense businesses became my work home and
development platform for the next 38 years. I sought to learn every day with a focus to
positively impact the businesses and help others find their way. Throughout much of
this time, I represented 1 of a handful of women / women of color. With my daily work, I offered my continuous classroom teaching sessions to show those wondering ‘What does she have to offer?’. It was tiring!
Through years of engagement, I worked with and trained teams throughout the US. Led teams up to 130 members strong across 3 states. Facilitated small and large teams of individual contributors to management executives for business improvement projects. These efforts developed team members. I have used these skills beyond my corporate experience. In retirement, R2D2 Enterprises LLC (Consulting) and Dream Innovation and Technology Center (Youth S.T.E.M.) will allow us to reach many with these skills.
Who or what has most influenced your leadership and commitment to this work? This could include mentors, community, lived experience, books, faith, or movements.
“To whom much is given, much is required”. My mother worked HARD to make ends
meet. She and my sister, Crystal, sacrificed to allow me to chase my dreams. I felt a
commitment to give them a return on their investments in me. From college and
beyond, I tutored youth and other college students to help as I could. God gave me a
partner in and for life with my husband Rudy. We know that the paths we have walked through school and careers have “Blessed us to be a blessing!” to others. He has
supported my desires and I have supported his. Through church, Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority, Inc and other community organizations, I have been able to serve and increase impact in the lives of others. For this I am truly grateful!
For those who feel called to doing this work, where would you suggest they begin? Is there a book, organization, practice, or resource that helped shape you?
Figure out your area of passion. Think about who you want to serve and why. Do some
research to get insight into how your passion can be helpful. Talk to someone who does similar activities to understand how they have connected the dots. Check with your church to determine possible ministry events to start the journey. If you are a member of a sorority or other community organization, decide how can you engage others in this service?
What wisdom or encouragement would you offer to the next generation of Black women leaders entering this space?
Believe in the gifts God has placed in you! Know that, although hard, life challenges
help you learn and grow. Recognize collaborating with other like-minded individuals /
groups keeps you from being overwhelmed and enables greater impact and outreach.
Be open to learning new things and willing to grow! Seek broader opportunities to apply what you have learned and don’t allow yourself to become stagnant.
How can people stay connected to and support your work? Please share your website, social media, current campaigns, or other ways to get involved.
The property at 1130 E. Pontiac, Fort Wayne, Indiana is being renovated and will house both businesses. Direct follow-up questions to rosalind@r2d2enterprise.com.