Maleek Lewis
FLY Alumni
Maleek Lewis is a proud father and uses these insights to act as a big brother to make an impact in his community. FLY was introduced to Maleek in our very early days doing exploration work in Contra Costa County before we expanded. Maleek participated in advisory sessions to help FLY understand how we could support the County through FLY’s work. Maleek then went on to become a founding member of FLY’s Transition Aged Youth Network in Contra Costa County as an advisor. In this position he helped plan agendas and regularly attended Steering Committee , Co- led a TAY brain development training, and Monthly Network meetings that included system and community partners from across the county.He shared his own experiences navigating the system to encourage the network to think critically about how to strengthen services and support for young adults. He drew on his personal insights about finding employment with a record, as well as services like housing—his lived experience deeply resonated with partners.
He was also a member of FLY’s 2024 Youth Policy Fellowship, where he advocated for humane and dignified conditions in juvenile halls. He trained his peers to deliver public comment to the Board of State and Community Corrections, elevating youth voices to demand basic necessities such as adequate hygiene products and consistent access to clean clothing and bedding. He also traveled to Sacramento to participate in legislative visits, where he spoke in support of Senate Bill 1057, advocating for increased youth representation on local Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils.
In his personal life, Maleek found sports to be the outlet he needed to manage everything else that was going on. While he wasn’t able to take his football career as far as he wanted, he found a lot of joy and pride in being a coach at a local boxing gym introducing kids to the sport. Outside of sports, Maleek is someone who will literally give you his last dollar even if he needs it for something else. He always shows up for people even when his own circumstance aren’t always better. He cares a lot about his community, his family, and most importantly his children.