The award recognizes her work as Barnes-Jewish Hospital vice president and chief operating officer helping to lead the staff through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as honoring her commitment to ensuring equitable access, care and opportunity for all patients, staff and community members.

Peters-Lewis told The American that she was shocked and awed to receive the award.

“All I hope to do is play some small part in making it better to serve the patients and families who entrust us with their care. I don’t think of that as stellar. I just think of that as being a part of an amazing team,” she said.

The award nomination noted that in the five years she has served at BJH, Peters-Lewis solves problems and constantly brainstorms how Barnes-Jewish, and the wider community of BJC HealthCare, can provide equitable care for patients and equitable experiences for staff.

She originally joined Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 2017 as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing executive. She was promoted to her current position during the pandemic, which she describes as one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of her career.

Peters-Lewis says that she was encouraged to further her education and pursue a nursing career by a nurse who cared for her while she was hospitalized with side effects from teenage pregnancy.

“I used to be ashamed of my story, but one person came up to me and said, ‘Because of you, I realized I could go to school,’” said Peters-Lewis. “The opportunity to provide hope is not something I take lightly. And I really believe that moment — which seemed like the darkest time of my life — fueled my passion to serve and my purpose in terms of eliminating racial health disparities and serving along with other like-minded individuals to do that work.”

Click here to read more of Peters-Lewis’ story in The American.

Peters-Lewis will be honored during The St. Louis American Foundation’s 23rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Reception June 22 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.