Our staff has a strong commitment to serving the many constituents of our organization. But first and foremost, they focus their energies on those who take advantage of our programs and services.
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President and CEO
Nonprofit veteran, Ernest Lewis III has a diverse background in the areas of management, fund development, media, literacy, arts administration, and community development. The New Orleans' native has called Houston home for 12 years. Ernest has acquired varied experience in developing and shaping signature programming focusing on basic needs, disaster recovery, youth development, adult and family literacy, senior services, workforce development, art education, and homeless prevention. During 20 years of service in the nonprofit arena, Ernest has cultivated, secured and managed more than $20 million in private, federal, and public funds to advance the mission of many noteworthy nonprofits in New Orleans and Houston.
“I am thrilled about serving as CEO of the Adult Education Center and helping tell its amazing story. I have the tremendous opportunity to return to my literacy roots and promote the common good within the greater community.”
The American Leadership Class XL Senior Fellow and ARTreach of Katy Board President holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and is excited about the next chapter of his career.
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Chief Financial Officer
Jasmine Patel holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University of Fresno. She brings to the CFO position a strong background in financial accounting and auditing. Jasmine served the Adult Reading Center as a volunteer for several years before joining the Executive Team. She co-chaired the 2nd Annual Red Carpet Gala, successfully raising $25,000 for the Center. Born and raised in Kent, England, Jasmine began her accounting career in California before moving to Pearland in 2007.
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Director of Education and Programs
Joshua Reynolds is a social worker and educator with a specialization in and passion for programs that empower people to improve their lives and the lives of their families. He earned degrees in psychology, social work, and business administration from the University of Houston and has advanced leadership training from Rice University.
Josh has over a decade of management and leadership experience in human services, having served as the Vice President of Emerging Programs for Family Houston, Director of Program Planning and Evaluation for BakerRipley, and Director of Care for Elders, among other roles. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston-Downtown. In these roles, he has created, launched, and evaluated high-impact programs to help individuals, families, and communities reach their goals. He has also taught macro social work to hundreds of students, many of whom are now practitioners in the Greater Houston area.
Josh also has significant volunteer experience, has written/co-written several publications, and is the father of two daughters.
