Lewis was born in Florida, in 1975. The oldest of five children, Lewis became a football star at Kathleen High School and was recruited to play at the University of Miami. In 1996, Lewis was a first-round pick of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens. He led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2000 and was named Defensive Player of the Year that same season. Lewis retired after leading the Ravens to another Super Bowl victory in 2013 and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, a 10-time All-Pro, and one of the few players in NFL history to play in a Pro Bowl in three decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).  Lewis is considered to be the greatest Baltimore Raven of all time, as well as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

Over the course of his career in the NFL, Ray has been able to build several successful businesses as well as being heavily involved in charitable activities throughout his professional career. In 2015 Ray became a New York times Best Selling Author for his Memoir “I feel Like Going On.” When he is not working on his businesses or mentoring the youth you Ray makes guest appearances across all major television networks. In, 2022 Lewis competed on CBS hit show Beyond the Edge to raise money for charity. Outside of his business and football career Lewis is involved in charitable activities, motivational speaking, and mentoring.

Today, Lewis devotes his time to being a proud father, businessman, community builder, and humanitarian. He continues to build upon his passion for empowering others through his philanthropic work around the country but specifically in Baltimore. Lewis always makes a mark wherever he goes to fuel and push others to their fullest potential and better self.

Lewis has served on the UMBF Board of Trustees since 2019.