Dawnn Lewis—a Grammy, NAACP Image, BMI, and ASCAP Award-winning singer, composer, producer, and actress—has long been a force in entertainment.
As the voice of Captain Carol Freeman on Star Trek: Lower Decks, she’s spent six years boldly leading a new generation of fans through the final frontier. Now, as the show’s fifth and final season on Paramount Plus concludes, Lewis is celebrating not just her career, but the deeper mission that has always driven her: empowering others to break barriers and step into their greatness.
A Trailblazer on Screen and Beyond
For Lewis, representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about impact. Her breakout role as Jaleesa Vinson in A Different World offered young Black women an image of strength and ambition on television, and her work continues to inspire. Looking back on her journey, she recalls how transformative it was to see Nichelle Nichols in Star Trek: The Original Series and Diane Carroll in Julia—moments that expanded her vision of what was possible.
“I know what it meant to me to see someone that represented me on television, and now, because of my career, because of my journey, I’ve now become one of those people,” Lewis shared in a conversation with Her Agenda. “It’s really humbling… I greatly appreciate the comments that I get from people who are moved and inspired or named their child after my character, or decided to go back to college, or are pursuing a career in technology.”
Creating Opportunities Through A New Day Foundation
Beyond the screen, Lewis has dedicated herself to uplifting the next generation through her nonprofit, A New Day Foundation. Named as a play on her own first name, the organization provides underserved youth with mentorship, scholarships, and career-building opportunities.
With programs like MenTORS (Men Talking of Relevant Situations) for young boys and Sisters Hangout for teen girls, the foundation exposes students to career paths they might never have considered, from government and technology to animation and finance. It also hosts an annual conference focused on financial literacy and offers scholarships to HBCU students.
“We want to help [young people] attain the opportunity to be their best self,” Lewis said. “You never know what’s going to strike a chord with a young person. The more that they are exposed to, the more that they are informed of their opportunities… We want them to see victory in themselves right now and an even greater victory in their future.”
The Power of Perseverance
When asked about advice for those trying to carve their own path, Lewis’s response was clear: “Get out of your own way.”
“All of us have insecurities, all of us have doubts. None of us are perfect human beings. But when you see a vision, when you see a path for yourself, particularly in the entertainment industry, it really is about your sense of self,” she explained. “We all have limitations—take the limitations off the table and do your homework, study, research, make phone calls, and do the work.”
Lewis knows firsthand how unpredictable success can be. Originally a recording artist and dancer, she toured with a band and worked on Broadway before television unexpectedly changed her trajectory:
“Not only did it change my whole world, but it opened up the world to me. You never know how it’s going to show up, but if you take yourself out of it, then you’re guaranteed that it won’t show up.”
Faith, Purpose, and Moving Forward
For Lewis, faith is the foundation that keeps her going. “Faith in God is first and foremost, that’s the only reason I have what I have—because of the doors that He opened for me and have sustained me through.”
Even on challenging days, her work with young people keeps her motivated. “This industry… can be very frustrating, it can be very intimidating. There are some days… I get frustrated and just wonder: ‘Do I really want to keep pursuing this hustle?’ But working with young people and encouraging them to be their best selves reminds me to do the same.”
Her message is simple but powerful: “It’s hard to quit when you’re encouraging other folks not to quit.”
