Clarie Lewis

I was born and raised in Bristol by my Caribbean Parents. My dad took part in rebuilding parts of Clifton Suspension bridge when he came over from Jamaica, and my mum worked as a nurse and stayed working in the care profession until her retirement.

I was one of the first black students to attend Fairfield Grammar school, as well as becoming one of the first black therapists at Brunel College in Bristol. One of my claims to fame is that Archibald Leach aka Cary Grant also attended my school. My other claim to fame is that I shared a house with the entertainer Derren Brown. Lastly my uncle Gary Bennett who played for Manchester City and Sunderland was recently awarded an MBE for his contribution for the fight against racism.

I started work at CCA 8 years ago as a supervisor, in 2 shops and in my effort to progress attended as many training courses as I could to further my career. This led me to be promoted to Support Centre Manager and then Support Services and Inclusion Manager. 2 years later I was offered the role of Operations Manager.

What skills and experience have I brought to CCA? My lived and learned experiences of racism, poverty, and isolation have been the foundation to my career thus far. I am able to respectively challenge people’s abilities to see something from a different perspective. My mentoring, and counselling skills have also helped me support those in need due to crisis or otherwise, and encouraging people to empower themselves.

My real challenge is my one-year-old Chihuahua, who believes she is a rottweiler in a choir full of giants.