Where I've Been, Where I am, Where I'm Going
Devin Lewis
Why the Unlikely Influence?
I don't always have the highest title in the room. But I've had some of the ones with the highest titles calling me day and night asking what I think—because they know I'll tell the truth with another perspective and a plan.
I've moved people without authority, gotten things done leaders couldn't, and shifted culture from the middle. Why? Because I see people. Honor them. That's influence. And that's why I'm the unlikely one.
The Twin Cities
Two states, one story. I spent my weeks split—one foot in service, the other in self-discovery.
Tex-ark-ana didn’t just shape me, it named the tension I carried: give to others, find yourself.
Education
Master of Science in Learning, Technology & Design
Houston Baptist University
bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Houston Downtown
Associate of arts in behavioral Sciences
texarkana College
Work Experience
Brag Sheet- Because humility doesn't pay bills.
2024 - Present
manager of Strategic Initiatives
2024 - Present
Interplay Learning
Interplay Learning is a SaaS-based training platform that leverages simulation technology and digital learning to equip users with practical skills across complex, technical industries.
Key Achievements
— Took A Brand New Role And Made It Bigger; They had a rough vision — I brought it to life and then some. As the first person in this newly created role, I built systems, created a full SOP, and set a standard for how the job should be done. What I do now goes way beyond the original job description, and I made sure the next person won’t have to start from scratch.
— Delivered a Full Course, Solo; When it came time to build a foundational onboarding experience, I took it from idea to execution. I partnered with Customer Success to lock in the vision, then created everything myself — objectives, outline, scripting, voiceovers, video editing, the whole thing. The course now welcomes every user to our company and shows them how to navigate the platform. It’s set to auto assign, no matter what LMS they use. This is more than training, it’s the front door, and we just upgraded the entrance.
— Developing a New Product for National Showcase: Currently leading the end-to-end design and implementation of a comprehensive troubleshooting guide app. Created custom visuals now leveraged by marketing to enhance brand impact and engagement. Established a scalable content development process and actively training senior leadership and others to create an aligned, cohesive product. *TOP SECRET. More to come after its done!
— Redesigned SME Onboarding From The Ground Up: Built an end-to-end onboarding system with interactive presentations, an internal website, and clean, structured materials like one-pagers, FAQ docs, and team directories. Boosted engagement and retention with personalized resources, live facilitation, and recognition programs that made people feel seen — including swag, shoutouts, and real incentives.
— Supported Beyond Day One: Onboarding isn't where my work ends. I continue managing SMEs long after their ramp-up by checking in, coaching through challenges, and making sure expectations stay aligned. Whether it's troubleshooting performance gaps, adjusting systems to support their workflow, or just being the person they trust to ask real questions, I stay involved so they don’t just start strong — they stay strong.
Content Specialist
2024 - 2024
Teach for America
Through mentorship, regional training, and access to a nationwide alumni network, Teach For America equips corps members with the tools, feedback, and support needed to thrive in challenging school environments and grow as equity-focused leaders.
Key Achievements
— Pioneered a New Organizational Role: Stepped into the newly created position, taking on dual-campus responsibilities to address personnel shortages, and provided professional development training and support to 90 novice teachers on implementing instructional materials and research-based pedagogy.
— Designed Hybrid Delivery Framework: Created and implemented an innovative framework to organize and lead skills and lesson preparation clinics, effectively engaging both in-person and virtual campus teachers simultaneously, ensuring all 90 novice educators were fully prepared to commence instruction from day one.
—Developed Agile Content Solutions: Created, evaluated, and revised pedagogy materials with short turnaround times to address emerging trends and feedback, ensuring responsive and data-driven strategies that optimized learning outcomes for teachers and students. (ELAR, Science, Art of Thinking, & Math)
Instructional Coach
2021 - 2024
Teaching Excellence Alternative Certification Program
The Teaching Excellence Alternative Certification Program accelerates teacher effectiveness in the greater Houston area through Texas Education Agency-approved certification and training, offering on-campus coaching and professional development services.
Key Achievements
— Drove Performance Improvements Across Multi-Partner Organizations: Enhanced educator performance over 500 touchpoints across five partner organizations, including Yes Prep, Baker Ripley, KIPP, and Aldine ISD by providing tailored coaching and support aligned with organizational objectives.
— Handpicked to Lead Leadership Training: Chosen by the Managing Director of Teacher Development to model best practices in coach training over senior leadership due to the exceptional impact of my work. Engaged 100 participants with coaching strategies, driving leadership growth and development.
— Fought For The Support We Deserved: Advocated for more professional development opportunities for instructional coaches — and got it. That meant better tools, better coaching, and a real impact on how teachers were supported day to day.
— Increased Engagement and Retention Through Training: Created and facilitated dynamic professional development sessions, both virtual and in-person, resulting in measurable improvements in employee engagement, technology adoption, and retention metrics.
— Delivered Academic and Behavioral Solutions Across All Grade Levels; Supported teacher candidates in Pre-K through 12th grade — across core subjects, electives, and special education — by identifying knowledge and skill gaps, tracking trends, and providing real-time, data-informed coaching.
— Accelerated Teacher Growth Through Strategic Support; Identified gaps in knowledge and communication, sought out expert input when needed, and aligned stakeholders to deliver solutions that drove faster development and stronger performance across teams.
— Delivered High-Impact Training With Proven Results: Achieved a 94% satisfaction rate among participants, with the majority expressing confidence in applying the content to achieve measurable improvements in their professional roles.
— Rebuilt Relationships and Strengthened School Partnerships; I was consistently assigned new districts, high-need campuses, and teachers in challenging placements because of my ability to repair broken trust and build lasting relationships. I connected with everyone — from the front office to the principal — and successfully engaged campus leaders who had previously declined support, turning resistance into partnership through consistency, respect, and meaningful communication.
My Weeks Consists Of:
Project Management
Instructional Design
Curriculum Design
Video Editing
SME Onboarding
Stakeholder Collaboration
Organizational Strategy
Internal/External Training
Systems Planning
Process Mapping
Chief Vibes Officer
Just 6 months in, I hosted the company wide Valentine's Day Party for both virtual &
In-person folks.
Oprah's Favorite Things: Devin Edition
It's like her list, but no brand deals, nothing under your seat and your cousins might have this same list.
Texas Roadhouse
The rolls, ambiance, "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker blasting & less than $20. Yeah.
Memes
Who doesn't love a good meme? Memes are basically visual ambassadors for words.
Bodies of Water
Can I swim? Like a rock! There's something about the deep blue calling my name. Sirens?
Harry Potter—Everything
As a former band & theater tech kid, my soul was at peace. These were my people.
Hammocks & Kites
On the beach with a good book, hammock, kite, wine & snacks. You can leave me out there!
