For Immediate Release
E. Preston Lewis
Executive Director
Triangle Bikeworks
epreston@trianglebikeworks.org
Chapel Hill, NC – December 20, 2024 – Triangle Bikeworks is excited to announce E. Preston Lewis, Jr., MSW, as its new Executive Director! With a deep-rooted passion for youth empowerment, municipal partnerships, and community engagement, Preston brings an exceptional wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to youth development and engagement.
Kevin Hicks
Founder
Triangle Bikeworks
kevin@trianglebikeworks.org
(919) 408-7513
Preston’s career has been defined by his dedication to improving the lives of young people. He previously led the My Brother’s Keeper Durham Initiative for Durham County Government, where he played a pivotal role in creating mentorship opportunities and resources that helped young men of color transition from cradle to career. Preston also conceptualized Bull City Pitch, a mentorship and seed-funding program for 50 high school students focused on social entrepreneurship. He is the visionary behind the Bridge Builder Fund, a donor-advised fund in collaboration with the Triangle Community Foundation, designed to empower 100 Black male entrepreneurs through vocational training, scholarships, and small business support. His tireless work has secured substantial investments, including a $50,000 commitment from Aetna® Health Care Network to enhance program effectiveness, and a $100,000 Dominion Energy Social Justice Grant to combat systemic racism through community-driven solutions.
Whether serving as a community organizer or advancing philanthropic initiatives as a program officer with the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Preston has consistently been at the forefront of social change.
As a Community Co-Investigator with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Connecticut Health Disparities Institute for Project BREATHE (Brothers Reclaiming Emotional Awareness, Tranquility, Healing, and Existence), Preston has led groundbreaking efforts in Durham to increase mental health access and break the stigma surrounding emotional wellness for African American men.
A recognized leader in the field, Preston has earned accolades from Spectacular Magazine, Crain’s Detroit Business, and the General Motors African American Ancestry Network Community Impact Award. His commitment to community service and volunteerism was further acknowledged when he received a personal invitation from President Barack Obama to the White House, recognizing his ongoing efforts to uplift and amplify community voices.
A proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, Preston also earned his Executive Master’s from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Preston specializes in Social Impact, Public Policy, Child Welfare, Community Asset Mapping, Organizational Assessment, Municipal Partnerships, Corporate Engagement, Program Evaluation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. His diverse expertise will be an invaluable asset as he leads Triangle Bikeworks in its mission to inspire and empower youth through cycling and adventure.
The Board of Directors at Triangle Bikeworks is confident that Preston's leadership will enhance the organization’s ability to positively impact the lives of youth in the Triangle area. “We are excited to welcome Preston to our team,” said Dawn McClendon, Chair of the Board. “His proven track record and dedication to youth development align perfectly with our mission. We believe Preston will bring innovative ideas and a renewed energy to our programs, furthering our commitment to creating opportunities for young people.”
Preston Lewis expressed his enthusiasm about joining Triangle Bikeworks, stating, “I am deeply honored and excited to take on this position and look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, consultants, and volunteers to empower the youth we serve to grow and advance the mission, vision and objectives of the organization.”
About The Organization: Triangle Bikeworks (TBW) is a youth development organization from Carrboro, NC with the mission to engage Black and ALAANA youth (African, Latine, Arab, Asian, Native American) in experiential learning opportunities that allows them to overcome challenges, achieve audacious goals, and discover their true selves TBW provides year-round programming including training rides, educational lectures, community service projects, and team-building activities that prepare youth for our cycling adventures.
To learn more, visit www.trianglebikeworks.org.
Stuff Happens
We lost our trailer to a distracted driver recently.
After seeking to have it repaired that idea quickly diminished when I was given the quote.
Please consider making a donation today. Together, we can overcome this setback and keep the wheels turning for Triangle Bikeworks.