Monica Lewis-Patrick

Detroit, MI

Monica Lewis-Patrick is an educator, entrepreneur, and human rights activist. With guidance and support from the other four founders of We the People of Detroit (WPD), and the leadership of volunteers and community experts, she has become one of the most distinguished social justice experts in Michigan, nationwide, and globally. Known as “The Water Warrior,” Lewis-Patrick is actively engaged in the struggle to access safe, affordable water for all under-resourced communities.

In 2022, Lewis-Patrick joined the University of Waterloo as a Jarislowsky Fellow. She also serves as a member of several organizations, boards, and committees dedicated to the advancement of water equity, including the National Water Affordability Table, All About Water/Freshwater Future – Subcommittee, PolicyLink- Water Energy Resource Caucus (WERC), Michigan Water Unity Table, End Water Poverty, and the Governor’s Board for Healing Our Waters (HOW). In 2019 she was appointed to the International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes Water Quality Advisory Board, and is serving her second term. She also received an appointment to the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice by Gov. Whitmer; where she currently serves as the Co-chair of the Water Committee. In October of 2015, she was appointed to the World Water Justice Council.

As a former Lead Legislative Policy Analyst for Detroit City Council, Monica has authored legislation, conducted research, and delivered constituency services to thousands of Detroit residents. Lewis-Patrick attended the historic Bennett College. She is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Sociology and a Masters of Arts of Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in Criminal Justice/Sociology and Public Management. She has also received the honor of being selected as a Michigan State University Water Fellow and Ron McNair Scholar