Where Are They Now

BIOGRAPHY OF SHERIKA LEWIS

On December 13, 1983, Sherika Lewis was born to the parents of Donnie and Daryl Lynn Lewis. In her early years, she enjoyed going to church at Greater St. M.B.I. church in Lakeland, FL where she was a member of the youth choir, a deaconess, an usher, and served on the state Drill Team.
She spent most of her middle to high school years at McKeel Academy of Applied Technology where she excelled in academics and was inducted into the National Junior Honor’s Society. Sherika’s true passion was basketball, this path led her to transfer to Lake Gibson Senior High School for her junior and senior years. At Lake Gibson, she was also the starting point guard and her success earned her the Coach’s Award and the Most Valuable Player’s award. Sherika continued her academic excellence and was published in Who’s Who of American High School Students. In 2002, Sherika completed her high school career with a 4.1 GPA, 26th in her class and graduated with Highest Honors.

Sherika received numerous scholarships and grants for her academic achievements. She decided that basketball was only a hobby and did not wish to pursue it in college. She understood that academics would be her best chance at a free education. Sherika considers Washington Park-Rochelle High School Alumni association as one of the contributors to allowing her to further her education. In 2002, Sherika received a scholarship from the organization. Also, Sherika is the granddaughter of class and board member Annie Sanders Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy served as the secretary for the organization as well as a teacher at Rochelle. She contributes a lot of her success and accomplishments to her late grandmother for helping to raise her along side her mother, Donnie.
Sherika continued her education at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida where she studied Marketing Management. While at FSC, Sherika was offered the full experience of the college life and roomed on campus. She was a manager for the women’s basketball team, involved in multicultural events and activities, and played women’s travel flag football. In the Fall of 2007, Sherika earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management.

In 2008, Sherika began her long-time career at the prestigious Publix Super Markets Inc. where she was offered an entry-level position in the Accounting department. Her goal was to eventually earn a position in the high-demand Marketing Department at Publix but after a few attempts and stiff competition, she decided to take advantage of the opportunities right in front of her face, in the Accounting department. While in Accounting, Sherika was quickly promoted several times within the department including becoming a Team Lead. In the Fall of 2019, Sherika was selected as the first African American supervisor in the Expense Payables department where she remains.
Sherika extends her most profound gratification to the Washington Park-Rochelle High School Alumni association for continuously being a support system and a stepping stool for the black community.