Loida Nicolas Lewis: Trailblazer Extraordinaire
Decades before ‘women empowerment’ became mainstream buzzwords, Filipino-American Loida Nicolas Lewis had shattered the glass ceiling many times over.
Business icon. Lawyer. Philanthropist. Human rights advocate. One of the world’s most influential Asian-American leaders (male or female).
In 2024 the State of New York proclaimed December 20 as Loida Nicolas Lewis Day. And deservedly so.
With former US President Barack Obama, New York City, 2015
December 20, 2024 marked 50 years since she became the first Asian woman to pass the New York State Bar without studying in a US Law School, making her eligible to practice law in both the Philippines and in the USA, she served for 10 years as general attorney in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. She has had a major impact as an immigration lawyer, particularly when it comes to the rights of Filipino immigrants living in America. She co-wrote the book "How to Get a Green Card" with Ilona Bray JD.
Born and raised a Roman Catholic in the Philippines, Loida met her husband Reginald F. Lewis on a blind date in New York City in 1968 and were married a year later. Reginald, a Wall Street financier and the first African American billion-dollar dealmaker, acquired Beatrice International in a US$985 million leveraged buyout in 1987, creating the largest African American-owned company in the USA.
Loida served as an informal adviser and confidant to Reginald until he passed away from brain cancer in 1993 at the age of 50. After a year of mourning, she served as CEO and Chair of TLC Beatrice International, which he had grown into a US$2 billion empire at the time of his death.
In an article written by Coco Marett entitled "How Loida Got Her Groove Back" the author states: "But despite her position and her wealth following her takeover of TLC Beatrice, Lewis remained far from flamboyant. In fact, the humble businesswoman's first move was to sell the company jet and limousines, and move her office from its top floor luxury suite in Manhattan to a more humble and inconspicuous space." She started selling the businesses little by little in 1998. TLC Beatrice was completely liquidated in 2007.
(Image: Forbes, 1987)
Loida became active in political causes, co-founding the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations in 1997 with the goal to empower Filipino-Americans. Together with Filipino-Am publisher and journalist Alex Esclamado and recognised civic leader Gloria Caoile, the founding conference in Washington D.C. was a historical first, with over 1,000 community leaders, high school and college students, young professionals, civil rights activists, and Filipino World War II Veterans in attendance. As Lewis spoke in front of the White House, she emphasised the importance of justice for veterans, encouraged the youth to fight for their 'lolos' [grandfathers] and 'lolas' [grandmothers] and to keep their legacy of heroism alive.
She serves as chair of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation (RFLF) advocating social justice, education, children’s programmes and the arts with a focus on empowerment through education, diversifying the professions and promoting cultural diversity in the United States and beyond, particularly for African-American youth. RFLF remains one of the largest African-American private foundations in the world. The Foundation has given away US$37 million in grants since its inception in 1987.
In November 2024, Loida was nominated by President Joseph Biden Jr. for the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. A month later, the State of New York proclaimed December 20 as Loida Nicolas Lewis Day.
“Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?”
A diverse community of professional women from various industries recently gathered to meet Loida Lewis in the flesh on a warm Sunday night in Manila. The chatter subsided as the Woman of the Hour walked in. Guests took turns in photo taking and hand shaking (me included).
Loida’s Manila visit was timed on Women’s History Month (March) to promote her 224-page memoir, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood and Running a Billion Dollar Empire” which takes the readers through the resolute immigration lawyer and activist’s journey starting with her adventure-packed Philippine joyful upbringing from World War II when Japanese forces occupied the country.
The memoir is filled with raw-emotion anecdotes as a daughter, immigrant, and career woman who shepherded a multibillion-dollar conglomerate to record earnings at a time when the business landscape was dominated by white men.
Raising her two independent daughters as a widowed single mom, Leslie and Christina grew up to be Harvard graduates and entrepreneurs with their own unique undertakings of social responsibility.
Co-written by Blair S. Walker, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?” resonates with women across generations – working mothers, women of colour, bi-racial families and young dreamers alike.
With daughters Leslie and Christina, 2015. (Image: Beatrice Moritz Photography/Yahoo! News)
At WOW book signing event in Manila with host Isa Buencamino, 2025. (Image: Stela, IG @stelaantic)
“I want to be Loida when I grow up! Resilient and healthy!” exclaims Isa Buencamino on our WhatsApp chatgroup, founder of Women of the World (WOW) which was hosting the Loida Lewis book-signing event. WOW is a global community of women that gives a refreshing new meaning to inclusion and diversity: raising each other and channeling the power of collaboration is how to change the equation while having fun along the way.
Released in 2023, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?” earns a place in the library of someone, regardless of race, looking to achieve the extraordinary by following their heart, leading with love, and taking charge of their own destiny.
“Goal setting. Obedience to the code of ethics. Determination. One mistake doesn’t make a failure. You will eventually get there,” she tells the WOW audience in Taglish (mix of Tagalog-English language).
Be patient. Follow your heart but take your brain with you. That’s my take-away as I listened to the soft-spoken yet spirited 80-something Loida whose soul is, undoubtedly, packed with enduring self-will, moral strength and fortitude.
WOW, Manila, 2025. (Image: Stela, IG @stelaantic)
“I am overjoyed to finally get a chance to share my memoir to my countrymen and in my homeland, the Philippines, where it all began,” says Loida, who had previously toured the book all over North America and Europe.
Among those who were stirred by her page-turner memoir are remarkable women who, like Loida, have broken the glass ceiling through their tenacity, perseverance and a strong sense of purpose.
Tony Awards recipient, singer and actor Lea Salonga said: “Loida Lewis’ memoir is infused with an abundance of humor and obvious love for her late husband, Reginald. Expect to laugh and feel the romance vicariously through her eyes.”
“Beyoncé said it loud and clear, asking `Who Rules the World?’ Well, I think that has been answered by Loida Lewis! She knows how to have fun in ways women only thought of, by showing it can be done,” said entertainment icon, Dionne Warwick.
Moreover, Amazon describes the book as: “A fascinating and engaging memoir from one of America's leading female executives, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun? is an inspiring and uplifting true story of how an ordinary person can rise to achieve extraordinary things.”
WOW, Manila, 2025. (Image: Stela, IG @stelaantic)
WOW, Manila, 2025. (Image: Stela, IG @stelaantic)
Loida is living proof of how patience, pride, tenacity, determination and faith could lead to a life of significance. Her story, in fact, echoes equally inspiring stories of independent-minded women in her generation who empowered themselves to break stereotypical barriers. Jane Fonda, Angela Merkel and Meryl Streep come to mind.
Debbie | ws