Lewis, Loida (c. 1943–)

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Lewis, Loida (c. 1943–)

Filipino-American business executive. Name variations: Loida Nicolas Lewis. Born Loida Nicolas, c. 1943, in Philippines; graduate of St. Theresa's College and University of the Philippines College of Law; m. Reginald F. Lewis (African-American CEO, died Jan 1993); children: 2.

Admitted to the bar in Philippines; was the 1st Asian woman to pass New York State bar exam without having studied law in US; established a monthly magazine for the Filipino-American community (1972); served as general attorney with INS (1979–90); served as informal advisor to husband; following his death, became CEO of the nation's biggest black-owned business, TLC Beatrice International Holdings (Beatrice Foods, 1994); wrote How to Get a Green Card and other books.

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