An executive director is someone who manages and leads an organization to success by helping to steer the organization towards fulfilling its mission, and Gwendolyn Doss, known as Gwen, exemplifies this role as the Executive Director of The Marquia Lewis Foundation. Gwen grew up in St. Louis, MO, as the youngest in her family, raised by a single mother alongside her brother and two sisters. Initially a shy and quiet child, she began to come out of her shell during high school and has since thrived in various ways that are both exciting and fulfilling.
Professionally, Gwen has built a distinguished career as a senior engineering leader at The Boeing Company, where she has worked for 29 years. She is a John Maxwell Certified Professional Coach and Mentor and has been actively involved in several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, Boeing Women in Leadership, and Boeing Believers in Christ, where she serves as President. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an alumna of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge class of 2022, a program that recognizes women leaders across Missouri and provides opportunities for community engagement.
Outside of Boeing, Gwen volunteers throughout her community and serves in ministry when and wherever needed. She is also deeply involved in her church as one of the ministerial staff leaders. Additionally, Gwen dedicates a great deal of her efforts to The Marquia Lewis Foundation, a nonprofit organization she founded in honor of her late daughter, Marquia. The heartbreaking loss of her daughter profoundly changed her life, shifting her focus toward making a positive impact in others’ lives in honor of her daughter’s memory.
Background and Personal Philosophy
Gwen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA, a Master’s Degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and a Master of Business Administration from Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
Beyond her professional and philanthropic work, Gwen devotes much of her time to mentoring and counseling both students and adults. She is a woman of faith and integrity, committed to making a difference both professionally and personally. When not volunteering or serving in some capacity, Gwen enjoys listening to gospel music, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the park.
One of her favorite scriptures is Ecclesiastes 7:8: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Gwen believes that, through Christ, things will always end up better, no matter how they start, when she places her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Overcoming Challenges
Gwen’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges, struggles, and setbacks, yet she has consistently drawn strength from the Word of God, encouraging words, positive affirmations, and the belief that she didn’t have to remain confined by her circumstances. This mindset propelled her to where she is today.
In high school, Gwen served as the President of the Student Council. During a senior awards day, the Student Council sponsor delivered a speech that left a lasting impression on her. He said, “I want my daughters to be just like her.” This statement, which acknowledged something exceptional in Gwen, inspired her to push even harder towards her goals. Despite being labeled a nerd in high school, Gwen was voted the most popular person in her senior year. Her classmates in both high school and college were often amazed at her ability to excel academically while actively participating in various activities and holding leadership roles.
A recent encounter with the mother of a childhood friend brought back memories. The woman remarked, “You always said you would be successful and make money.” Gwen smiled, grateful that she had never given up during difficult times. She was the first person from her childhood neighborhood to go to college, graduate, and achieve a successful career—all due to her determination.
Getting to college wasn’t easy. With her mother unable to afford tuition, Gwen seized the opportunity when Grambling State University offered her a scholarship, choosing it over three other accepted offers. Her journey wasn’t without its trials; Gwen became pregnant during her senior year of college. Her father, disappointed and assuming the worst, feared it would derail her future. However, Gwen was determined to prove him wrong. She graduated on time, with honors, from Grambling State University—a historically black college—driven by sheer determination.
Despite Gwen’s accomplishments, she continues to face and overcome challenges. The loss of her father, her brother, her daughter and most recent, her mother, all before the age of 50, left Gwen feeling somewhat empty. Yet, it was the devastating loss of her daughter, Marquia, that changed Gwen’s life forever. On the night of September 16, 2016, two state troopers arrived at her door with the tragic news that her only child, had been killed in a car accident. This tragedy reshaped Gwen’s perspective on life, intensifying her commitment to making a difference, particularly for African American students.
Marquia, 23, was a recent college graduate, engaged to be married, and embarking on a promising career as a Project Engineer in Kansas. Marquia was known for her zeal, big dreams, passion, and care for others, and Gwen has continued her legacy through the foundation, providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college students.
Gwen is passionate about helping students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds or situations where their potential may not be recognized. From the pain of losing her only child, Gwen founded a non-profit organization to provide financial scholarships to assist others in need, helping to push them towards their destiny.
Two of her favorite phrases—”Nothing is too hard for God!” and “All things are possible with God”—reflect her deep faith. Gwen’s most important priority is her relationship with Christ, and she strives to glorify God in all she does. She considers herself a woman of integrity, known for her dependability and faithfulness. Once committed, she is all in, willing to go the extra mile for her work, community, students, family, and most certainly, for God.
Gwen is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students and within the STEM field, offering encouragement, positive reinforcement, and the benefit of her experience. She strives for excellence in everything she does and encourages others to do the same. Her message to anyone struggling to succeed and unsure of what comes next is simple: “Be determined! Never give up!”
Inspiring Others Through Faith and Commitment
Gwen continually seeks ways to uplift and support others. Hearing the ambitious stories, extravagant goals, and strong desires of others excites and inspires her to push forward even more resolutely.
For Gwen, two qualities stand out as essential for today’s emerging leaders: faith and commitment. She believes faith is necessary to stay the course, regardless of how things may seem, and commitment is crucial to seeing things through to a successful conclusion. It’s easy to become discouraged when the journey gets tough and obstacles arise one after another. However, Gwen has learned that by focusing and finishing, one’s success rate in many areas of life will increase. This mindset not only helps her but also guides her in mentoring others, encouraging them to persist through challenges and achieve their goals.
A Fearless Leader and Community Champion
Gwen is often seen as a fearless leader, a trailblazer, and a conqueror who has consistently demonstrated dignity, strength of character, and a strong commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured her growth. She embraces every opportunity to soar, embodying the spirit of an eagle. To many, Gwen is also recognized as determined, ambitious, and driven, a person who thrives under pressure and never gives up. She is a natural leader, always looking for ways to improve and passionately dedicated to helping others.
Dedication to Student Success
Gwen is deeply committed to supporting, inspiring, and encouraging as many students as possible on their journey to success. Her goal is to help them reach milestones they can take pride in, empowering them to understand and remember that they are in control of their careers and lives. She also wants students to feel assured that they have a support system beyond their immediate circle, providing them with the confidence and guidance needed to navigate their paths.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Gwen has faced numerous challenges in her life, but the most difficult trial was the loss of her daughter. Instead of giving up, she made the decision to channel her pain into purpose, which she credits as a key factor in her success. This resilience has helped her break barriers that might have otherwise held her back, enabling her to continue achieving her goals. Her passion for helping others is evident in her work. Gwen loves seeing people thrive in areas they once thought were beyond their reach. She is especially dedicated to helping students and others recognize and unlock their potential.
Throughout her career, Gwen has received multiple national awards, highlighting her contributions to her field. A particularly notable achievement came in February 2020, when she was honored at The Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference with The Dave Barclay Affirmative Action Award for her contributions to STEM. Other accolades include Dr. Camesha Chosen Women Foundation, Woman of the Year Award, 100 Black Men Mentoring Award, the Modern-Day Technology Leader award, the Women of Color All Star Technology Leader award, and a recent nomination for the Society of Women Engineers Global Leader award.
Celebrating Student Achievements
For Gwen, one of the most rewarding aspects of providing scholarships to students is the opportunity to honor and recognize their achievements at the annual Marquia Lewis Foundation banquet. She finds immense joy in witnessing the students’ delight as they walk across the stage to receive their awards, surrounded by a supportive crowd of donors, family, friends, and other supporters. The excitement and pride on their faces, amplified by the applause and cheers from the audience, make these moments especially fulfilling for Gwen.
Envision and Execute for Higher Education Success
Gwen’s advice to students pursuing higher education is simple yet powerful: “Envision and Execute.” She encourages students to clearly envision their current position and their future goals, and then to pursue those goals with unwavering determination. Gwen urges students to execute their plans at a level that will lead them to success, advising them not to let anyone or anything hold them back. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, reminding students that they have the potential to achieve great things.
