Loida Lewis

Loida Lewis

Chair, The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation

Loida Lewis is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and family enterprise leader. Loida is best known for stewarding the extraordinary legacy of her late husband, Reginald F. Lewis. Reginald Lewis made history as the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, transforming Beatrice International Foods into the largest Black-owned and managed business in the United States and establishing himself as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation.

Following his passing in 1993, Loida assumed leadership of the family's business interests and became the steward of one of America's most remarkable entrepreneurial legacies. As Chair of The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, she has continued to advance the family's commitment to education, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community impact while preserving the values and vision that defined her husband's life and achievements.

Together with her daughters, Loida has guided the Lewis family into its next chapter, demonstrating the power of multigenerational stewardship, resilience, and purpose. Widely respected as a global advocate for leadership, philanthropy, and economic empowerment, she continues to inspire future generations through a family legacy built on courage, excellence, and the belief that success carries a responsibility to create opportunities for others.