Yudi Lewis recognized as top leader in higher education 

Bryan Magaña BS ’06, MA ’09, Marketing & Communication

Yudi Lewis, Weber State’s executive director of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives, earned two prestigious accolades for serving Utah students.

In September 2023, Lewis was listed among the top successful women by Utah’s 40 over 40, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the achievements of women who make a difference in their community.

“I feel a deep sense of honor and humility to receive recognition for the work I am truly passionate about: fostering opportunities for students to access and achieve their dreams in higher education,” Lewis said. “This award serves as a beautiful testament to the remarkable women who, each in their unique ways, are reshaping Utah's landscape to be more inclusive and equitable.”

Also in September 2023, Lewis was named a Living Color Utah award recipient for cultivating diversity and inclusion in Utah.

Thanks to support from Ally Financial Inc., Lewis joined Weber State in 2022 to help the university reach its goal of becoming an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution with at least 15% Hispanic and Latino enrollment. Prior to WSU, she helped increase the enrollment of Hispanic and Latino students and graduation headcount at Utah Valley University.

Lewis is an acclaimed presenter at national and international conferences. Her tuition-free Latino Scientists of Tomorrow program has been replicated at six schools nationwide. She also helped acquire over $600,000 in grant money to support educational opportunities for Utah youth. She has connected with thousands of students by sharing her story and advocating for them.

“My role in higher education enables me to give back by opening doors to educational possibilities for students, just as someone once did for me,” Lewis said. “I firmly believe that the only true impossibilities in life are the things you do not try. I urge every student to discover their passion and relentlessly pursue their dreams.”