Mrs. Dawn M. Lewis is the President and CEO of Shoes for Your Soul, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Children’s Shoe Organization. A native of New Jersey, Mrs. Lewis grew up in a large family, where sharing clothing and shoes with her siblings was a common experience. This upbringing made her first pair of new Florsheim shoes a memorable and joyful milestone, inspiring her to bring that same happiness to other children in need.
An alumna of both Camden County College and The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Mrs. Lewis built a successful career as a Surgical Technologist, dedicating 22 years to the field.
Before founding her own non-profit, she was actively involved in charitable work, contributing to the Angel Tree Charity and serving at the Pretty & Pink Cancer Foundation. Her dedication extended to her church community, where she participated in ministries like Health Awareness and Healing Hearts at St. John Baptist Church in Camden, New Jersey.
Mrs. Lewis’s deep passion for giving back is a true testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in her community. She is happily married to her high school sweetheart and cherishes her role as a grandmother, enjoying her days surrounded by family.
Vonelee Lewis Jr. is the husband of the President/CEO of Shoes For Your Soul. He serves as the Chief of Logistics & Food Service Management, he is responsible for organizing shoe drives and food fundraising donations in conjunction with the fundraising committee.
A Camden native and a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Vonelee currently serves as the Director of Maintenance at Pennco Tech. His motivation, articulate planning, and many years of management experience is the driving force behind every successful event held by Shoes For Your Soul.
Vonelee is focused on using his nonprofit services to reach and help the youth of Camden become more.
Her advocacy is deeply personal as an adoptee navigating reunion with her birth parents. Joi’s mission centers on transforming adoption narratives through The Belong Project, bridging gaps, healing hearts, and promoting adoption competency. Her efforts have earned awards, a county citation, and over 50 podcast features discussing adoption, relationships, and parenting.
Joi’s storytelling connects with young people, offering relatable experiences that highlight the impact of adoption, trauma, and resilience. In her spare time, she enjoys community service, modeling, singing, and crafting.
Pamela C Brown is the Treasure for Shoes for Your Soul. Raised in Camden, NJ, and a graduate of WWHS. She graduated from Hampton University with a BA in psychology and a Master’s degree from Rutger’s University in Social Work. Pam is the Vice President of Developmental Disabilities at Oaks Integrated Care. She has mentored young girls for more than 20 years. She is a member of The Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. Pam enjoys volunteering and is committed to Shoes For Your Soul. “To whom much is given, much is required
Gloria Z. Gilbert is the Secretary of Shoes For Your Soul. She’s the 4th of nine siblings (all girls) born to the late James and Ruth Simpson Crocker. Her passion has always been for the Children and Seniors. She spent 3 years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, 21 years with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company and 25 years with the Camden City School District. Gloria also serves as Secretary to Maude S. Walker Missionaries, Camden County, Corresponding Secretary to the Bethany Baptist Association Women’s Auxiliary of NJ and Secretary to the Camden Schools Foundation. Gloria is a faithful member of St. John Baptist Church, of Camden, NJ serving in many capacities. She’s also a 33 year Cancer Survivor, happily married to Rev. Eugene L Gilbert, and parents to two daughters, one son, two sons-in-love, daughter-in-love, three grands and one great grand.
Jasmin Bethea is our Director of Development. She’s a Human Resource professional supporting the productivity and continuous improvement of the Customer Experience and Service Delivery teams. Her ability to assess needs, build and manage community partnerships, and develop and implement initiatives makes her an invaluable contributor at work and in the community. Jasmin’s experience in development, organizational health, and operational excellence for Non profits is focused on maintaining the integrity of the organization while increasing their impact.
In addition to all of that, she’s a Girl Mom and Dog Mom. She completed a BA in Africana Studies, at Rutgers- New Brunswick and an MS in Human Resource Management at Western Governors University. Jasmin also serves as a Board Development Committee member with Girl Scouts Heart of NJ. In her free time, Jasmin enjoys painting, drawing, shopping, and traveling. Jasmin brings strategy and innovation to Shoes for Your Soul.