Biden names Loida Lewis to the Millennium Challenge Corp. board

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly celebrates its co-founder and former National Chair, Loida Lewis, on her nomination by President Joe Biden to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors. This prestigious nomination highlights her lifelong dedication to transformative leadership, advocacy, and global impact. The nomination was announced November 14.

In this significant role, Atty. Lewis will collaborate with the U.S. Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and other distinguished leaders to advance MCC’s mission of reducing global poverty through sustainable economic growth. Her expertise and vision will strengthen MCC’s work in fostering accountability, equity, and transparency across the globe.

“Loida Lewis’ nomination is a testament to her unparalleled commitment to service and justice,” said Brendan Flores, NaFFAA National Chairman. “She has been a trailblazer throughout her career, inspiring countless individuals with her unwavering dedication to uplifting communities and fostering meaningful change.”

As a founding leader of NaFFAA, Loida Lewis has played a pivotal role in empowering Filipino Americans and advocating for equity and opportunity. Her influence has transcended borders, making her a global advocate for progress and sustainable development.

“Loida Lewis embodies the essence of leadership and purpose,” said Mariela Fletcher, NaFFAA National President. “Her nomination to the MCC Board of Directors is a recognition of her lifelong mission to create impactful and lasting change. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and the legacy she continues to build.”

The MCC’s mission to alleviate poverty and promote economic empowerment aligns seamlessly with Lewis’ lifelong work. Her leadership will further enhance MCC’s efforts in building partnerships that drive transformative growth and development around the world.

NaFFAA celebrates this monumental achievement, which serves as an inspiration to Filipino Americans and all who strive to make a difference. Loida Lewis’ nomination exemplifies the boundless potential of Filipino Americans to lead and create meaningful global impact.

The White House has issued the following statement:

“Loida Lewis is Chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice, LLC, a family investment firm. A lawyer by profession, admitted to practice in the Philippines and New York, Lewis was the first Filipino woman to pass the New York bar without attending law school in the United States. When she won her discrimination case against the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, she integrated the agency and worked as General Attorney in the New York Federal office from 1978 to 1988.

Lewis also served as chair and CEO of TLC Beatrice International, a $2 billion multinational food company with operations across Europe, from 1994-2007. She assumed its leadership after the death of her husband, attorney and Wall Street financier Reginald F. Lewis, who in 1987 engineered a leveraged buyout for $985 million of Beatrice International Foods, thus becoming the first African American to acquire a billion-dollar company.

Lewis is chair of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, which is a benefactor of Harvard Law School, the Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, Virginia State University, and the Lewis College in Sorsogon, her hometown in the Philippines. Lewis is co-founder of several advocacy organizations: Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund, National Federation of Filipino American Associations and U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance.

Lewis has two daughters and five grandchildren.” — National Federation of Filipino American Associations; White House