Biography
Caroline Lewis, Education Strategist, Founder and CEO - The CLEO Institute
Ms. Lewis is an education strategist who builds capacity, promotes innovation, and inspires leadership in individuals and institutions. She is also the founder and Director of the CLEO Institute, a non-profit organization that advances environmental literacy and civic engagement. For 22 years Ms. Lewis was a science teacher and principal in schools in Trinidad, New York and Miami. She then joined the staff of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and, as Director of Education, expanded programs and partnerships more than 800%.
When, in 2002, Ms. Lewis created the competitive, interdisciplinary Fairchild Challenge, her goal was to establish an annual voluntary school program that promotes, provokes, and celebrates teenagers’ engagement in environmental issues. The response by informal educators, students, teachers, parents and the community was immense and immediate. Designed initially for high schools, by demand, Fairchild Challenge middle and elementary school programs were also implemented. Additionally, Fairchild Challenge programs have been launched in Illinois, Utah, California, Central Florida, Pennsylvania, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Botswana.
Ms. Lewis develops creative, collaborative programs to significantly increase outreach to diverse audiences. She delivers keynote addresses and conducts workshops and presentations locally, nationally and internationally. Speaking to the power of effective education and interdisciplinary environmental education, she infuses others with the motivation to make a difference in today’s world.
Born and raised in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, Caroline Lewis earned a B.S. in biology and a B.Ed. in science and environmental science education. Her M.S. is in educational leadership. She currently lives in Miami, Florida, with her husband John. Their two daughters attend Florida State University.
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