Connecting people to real-world opportunities is at the heart of the work Patti Lewis does every day. As a Workforce Coordinator with Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), Lewis is committed to helping Mississippians in Ecosystem 7 (Southwest and Central Mississippi) obtain the training needed to support the state’s High Priority Occupations pipeline.
Lewis entered the workforce development field as a Career Coach at Brandon High School in 2023, where she began helping students explore career pathways, develop workplace skills, build early connections with industry partners, and prepare for life after graduation. She brings 28 years of experience in education to her role and focuses on bridging the gap between the classroom and the workforce by creating opportunities for students to experience careers firsthand.
Lewis has organized and implemented several workforce-focused initiatives including the Bulldog Workforce Summit, BHS Mock Interviews, Reality Fairs, Military Mondays, and Workforce Wednesdays. These programs provide students with exposure to professionals from a wide range of industries and help them better understand the skills needed for in-demand careers.
She also helped pilot the Raytheon Summer Internship Program for high school students and has placed more than 30 students in internship opportunities, providing valuable hands-on work experience. Lewis also assists students in earning industry certifications, participating in job shadowing experiences, and developing Senior Exit Plans that outline their next steps after graduation.
Recognizing that transportation can be a barrier for many young people entering the workforce, Lewis helped senior students obtain their driver’s licenses, expanding their ability to access employment, education, and training opportunities.
Before joining CMPDD, Lewis taught science and led STEM initiatives in Mississippi schools, including First Presbyterian Day School in Jackson and Florence Middle School in Rankin County. She designed science lab programs, developed K–6 science curriculum, and integrated technologies such as 3D printing and robotics into student learning.
Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mississippi State University and lives on a farm in central Mississippi with her husband and two daughters.
Reflecting on her work with students and the community, Lewis says,
“We each have a purpose and responsibility to use our skills to serve our community with a servant’s heart.”
Lewis works closely with employers, schools, and workforce partners across Central Mississippi to strengthen career pathways and expand apprenticeship and internship opportunities for students.