This Black History Month, we’re celebrating the incredible leaders who make the NCCF community strong. Today, we shine a spotlight on the President of our Board and Founding Member of the Tiber Hudson law firm, Lewis Askew, a man whose life story is a testament to the power of hard work, family values, and dedicated mentorship.

Lewis grew up outside of Pittsburgh in a large family environment where education was non-negotiable. His father, who worked in the mill, and his mother, a secretary who later earned her own college degree in her 50s, laid a foundation of relentless support and high expectations. They insisted their children aim high, place no boundaries on their ambitions, and, most importantly, “use your own mind at all times.” This core mantra empowered Lewis to navigate a challenging path, starting with mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland, where he also played football.

Lewis’s collegiate experience was marked by early academic struggles. Reflecting on that period, he notes, “If you really put your mind to it, you can figure it out… but then once you decide you want to do something, you have to come up with an effective plan”. Instead of quitting, he made that plan by finding tutors and leveraging the advocacy of key administrators.

In particular, he found perhaps his biggest mentor and advocate in James Newton. Newton was a Black administrator at the University of Maryland who identified the specific steps Lewis needed to take to succeed in the engineering program, guiding him back on track. The ability to overcome hurdles by his willingness to seek help and mentorship ultimately led to Lewis being named the most outstanding senior engineer and Scholar Athlete of the Year. 

Following graduation, Lewis moved to California to begin a career at the forefront of aerospace technology. His first role involved working on the space shuttle program, where his group was responsible for building the main engines seen at the back of the shuttle. He later joined Hughes Aircraft Company, where he worked on Strategic Defense Satellite Systems, helping to design positioning systems for satellites.

Though Lewis excelled in engineering, he felt drawn to broaden his career beyond the technical field. It was his sister who ultimately inspired him to “mix engineering with the law,” helping him see that a legal education would amplify, rather than replace, his technical expertise. This new perspective allowed him to navigate complex business, contractual, and political issues with an analytical precision that few others possessed.

However, the transition into the legal world brought new challenges. While working at a predominantly white law firm early in his career, Lewis realized he lacked a support system that was truly invested in his success.

Instead of being discouraged, Lewis leaned on his father’s mantra to “use your own mind” and decided to forge his own path. This entrepreneurial drive led him to co-found Tiber Hudson, a firm that has since grown from a bold vision into a successful practice operating in seven cities nationwide.

As Lewis matured, his focus shifted toward using his unique path from engineer to lawyer as a foundation for giving back. He realized the same strategic roadmaps that led to his success in college and beyond could help others, particularly among the young Black men the NCCF serves. By leading the board and visiting schools to discuss career paths, he ensures the next generation has the guidance they need to succeed.

This commitment to the future is rooted in his appreciation for the past. To Lewis, Black History is about the power of discovery and learning about the often-overlooked figures who shaped our world. Recently he learned about David Blackwell, a scholar who overcame systemic racism to become the mathematical architect of modern AI. By uncovering these stories of brilliance, Lewis aims to prove that there are no limits to what the next generation can achieve.

His story—from a supportive upbringing that emphasized education and independent thought to leading a successful law firm and chairing the NCCF board—is an inspiring example of how commitment, resilience, and the willingness to lift others up can shape a truly remarkable life.