Elyse Lewis Member Spotlight - April

Name: Elyse Lewis
Where do you work?: Hendrick Medical Center and the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health
What’s your job title/what do you do?: For the past 7 years, I’ve worked at Hendrick Medical Center doing women’s health marketing, special events and community outreach. Last September, Hendrick partnered with Texas Tech Health Sciences Center to open an Abilene office of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health. My job is exciting because I get to work with two pillars in the Abilene medical community making a difference and doing what I love – improving the lives and health of women.
Where are you from? Abilene, TX
What is your favorite thing about living in Abilene? Abilene is filled with many kind people who care and are willing to give to others. My husband Patrick and I both grew up here. When we got married, we talked about moving for about a day until we realized what we’d be giving up to live in a big city. Being close to both sets of parents is a big perk, and the fact that there is almost no traffic in Abilene means I can get almost anywhere in 15 minutes or less!
What do you do in your free time? Anything outdoors – I love gardening, tent camping, hiking and basically anything else that lets me be outside.
What does being an Abilene Young Professional mean to you? Being a young professional in Abilene, especially at Hendrick, is fantastic. Hendrick has provided me many opportunities to learn and work outside of my comfort zone. As a young professional, I think it’s important to recognize opportunities for growth and to take advantage of them.
Do you serve on any boards in the community or participate in any other groups? I serve on 3 boards: Keep Abilene Beautiful, United Way of Abilene and Junior League of Abilene. My favorite part about serving on local boards is seeing the meaningful ways Abilene non-profits work to improve the lives of people that live here. It’s a special thing.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Abilene? Hands down, my favorite place to eat in Abilene is El Fenix in Burro Alley. I could seriously eat El Fenix green chicken enchiladas and carne guisada every day. Their courtyard is the perfect place to eat outdoors!
What’s your favorite place to travel to and why? Last summer, my husband and I spent two weeks exploring Eastern Europe. It was an amazing trip, and we’re looking forward to another big trip soon!