Leadership
Dr. Denise Y. Lewis
President/CEO
Dr. Denise Lewis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who holds a B.A. in Sociology from Ohio Dominican College, an M.A. in Counseling Ministry from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Ohio University. Dr. Lewis is an Assistant Professor at Grace College, an Adjunct Instructor at University of Dayton, and the Vice President/CEO of Tru-Rob Counseling & Consulting. She has dedicated her career to educating and working with youth and families in a variety of capacities, and has provided extensive individual, family, and group counseling to deal with various concerns.
Dr. Lewis has published several articles and book chapters and has presented extensively at counseling and education conferences across the US and abroad. Her honors include receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award from Ohio Christian University, and the George C. Hill Counseling Award from Ohio University. Dr. Lewis is a member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International. She is a past member of the Executive Board of the Ohio Counseling Association, past-President of the Central Ohio Counseling Association, past-President of the Ohio Association of Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling, and past-President of the Ohio Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development. Her professional affiliations also include membership in the American Counseling Association and the Ohio Counseling Association.
Dr. Lewis is married to Rev. Edward Lewis, where she is the First Lady of Bethany Presbyterian Church. Together they have four children and four grandchildren. Dr. Lewis, along with her sons Thomas and Benjamin, founded In Her Honor and is committed to empowering youth and their families to achieve success through utilizing all the tools available to them.
Nicolle Cordell-Evans
Executive Director of Communications & Marketing
Nicolle Cordell-Evans is a consummate professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing, event planning and advertising communications in the corporate, advertising, healthcare, and non-profit sectors. She is the Director of Marketing at DR Horton. She is a multi-tasker with a strong visual sense and excellent attention-to-detail. Nicolle can plan strategically and translate marketing ideas and design concepts across all organization levels. Her skill at seeing the big picture and implementing the details to get there are a significant asset to In Her Honor.
Nicolle is married to Sheila Evans, and they have a daughter who is the Associate Head Women’s Basketball Coach and a daughter-in-law who is an Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, both at Columbia University. She looks forward to using her significant skills to contribute to the work In Her Honor is doing.
Thomas B. W. Paige
Executive Director of Business Development/Community Outreach
Thomas Paige is a graduate of Pickerington HS North, and a graduate of Bluffton University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He is a Sr. Recruiter at Robert Half and has dedicated his time and energy to working to enrich the lives of others. Thomas has extensive management and sales experience, serving as an Assistant Manager with a popular store chain for over 3 years, and a Business Development Manager for over 5 years with a marketing company. He is the founder and owner of SEB Apparel, a custom clothing shop. He has volunteered his time to help develop youth as a football and basketball coach and is a significant addition to the team. Thomas is one of the founders of In Her Honor, and he works diligently to ensure the mission, vision, and purpose of the organization is fulfilled!
Thomas is married to Mary Paige, and they have two beautiful daughters. He is a wonderful husband, an amazing father, and a competent leader! He looks forward to serving our youth, their families, and our community!
Benjamin F. White, III
Executive Director of Programming & Operations
Ben White is a graduate of Arcadia University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Ohio University, where he earned his Master’s degree in Counselor Education. He currently works as a Manager in Career Advancement at Per Scholas Columbus and he is the Head JV Basketball Coach for the girls team at Westerville North High School. Ben has dedicated his time and energy to working to enrich the lives of young people. Ben has gained a majority of his professional experience working with youth as a mentor, leader, camp counselor, and basketball coach, and is a welcome addition to the team. Ben is one of the founders of In Her Honor, and he works diligently to ensure the mission, vision, and purpose of the organization is fulfilled!
Ben has received numerous academic awards. He was inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success at Arcadia University in 2015, and Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International in 2017, where he served as their Treasurer.
Ben is a dedicated leader who inspires so many through his wonderful and infectious personality. He is excited about working with youth to enable them to achieve their goals!
Gwendolyn Walker
Executive Board Chairperson
Gwendolyn Walker was called to be a pastor in 1991 and has had the honor and the privilege of being the Pastor of the Light of the World Worship & Celebration Center since that time. She is also a well-known speechwriter in Central Ohio has had the honor and privilege of writing speeches for key public officials in Columbus. She enjoys her current position at the Brookwood Academy Charter School in the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Confidential Records where she works with a gifted group of educators serving families of children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and emotional and behavioral challenges.
She currently serves as the President of the Board at In Her Honor, as a member of the Boards of Directors for the Christian Women’s Leadership Alliance of Central, Sister Friends Ministry, and Breath of Life Ministries. She is a former employee of the State of Ohio where she served in the capacity of Budget Officer for the Department of Development and former employee of Nationwide Insurance, holding positions as a Securities Specialist in Investments, Management Reports Analyst, Senior Human Resources Representative, and Trainer-facilitator for the 4,000 Life Company employees.
She is a proud graduate of Ohio Dominican University and Franklin University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree at Franklin University. She is excited to work with In Her Honor to ensure its mission, vision, and values are met and our children and their families are served.