Downtime with Cobi Lewis

Relaxing with the CEO and executive director of Microenterprise Services of Oregon

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What are you reading?
I always have my Kindle with me, in every bag or purse that I carry, and secretly I am always reading a romance novel. I only read work-related books or topics when at work.

What are you watching? 
I am partial to shows about medical procedures or true- crime documentaries.

What are you listening to?
I have a very wide range of music in my collection and like a bit of most genres, but I am partial to the pop and R&B hits from the ’80s and ’90s, all songs I can sing along to.

What is your must-have gadget? 
Hands down and without a doubt, my Kindle E-Reader and dental flossers. You’ll never find me without both.

What are your hobbies/interests? 
Reading, arts and crafts, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

What was your childhood or earliest ambition?
I wanted to be a doctor, a neonatologist specifically. I was on that track until the first years of college, then my interests shifted.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?  
Domestically, I love Hawaii and New Orleans. Internationally, I really enjoyed Japan.

What is your biggest extravagance?
I tried to think of something more exciting, but at the end of the day, I’m a textbook foodie. I’m adventurous and excited by great food.

What motivates you to come to work?  
Helping someone. It’s very simple. If I’m going to spend the time, sacrifice time with my own family and give the best of my professional talents, I want it to be for the benefit of someone who needs the help. The reward of moving someone else forward keeps you motivated to continue even when it gets tough.

Who is your professional role model?  
There are a number of professionals that I embrace for their work ethic, understanding and management of their business, all while still having a commitment to community and compassion for humanity in general. Locally, I love the Colas family, retired community leader Michael Alexander, Tracy Curtis, Rukaiyah Adams and Charles Wilhoite. Most of them may not even know, but I watch how they listen, how they learn and relate to people.

What ambitions do you still have?  
I have a few, I’d like to embrace my creativity and begin to work on my art again. I would like to write a book one day, and maybe provide some consultation on organizational development to nonprofits or corporate business units.

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