Alec Lewis and Jenna Papielion
Every dollar brings them closer to victory and supports a cause that changes lives far beyond the dance floor. Donate below!
Alec Lewis
Alec Lewis is a connector, creator, and government affairs strategist who’s as comfortable in the halls of the Capitol as he is in the gym. After years of building coalitions, electing leaders, and shaping policy, Alec now serves as Regional Manager of Government Affairs at Natera—working at the intersection of science, policy, and public health to expand access to genomic testing and improve health outcomes across the nation.
Beyond the professional sphere, Alec is the voice behind Built Different—a podcast and platform rooted in fitness, mindset, and community. His transformation journey fuels his mission to redefine fitness and wellness culture through storytelling, collaboration, and sweat equity. Alec brings passion, precision, and purpose to every space he enters.
Jenna Papielion
Jenna was born in Albany, New York, and began dancing at the age of three. She grew up studying tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop, and competed at the Regional and National level. At the young age of 14, she began exploring her passion as an educator teaching children ages 5-17 years old.
After graduating high school, it became clear to Jenna that becoming an educator in the arts was something that she was extremely passionate about. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with a marketing concentration, at The University at Albany. During her studies, she continued performing with many regional and local dance groups, all while continuing to teach young aspiring artists state-wide.
Jenna was a member of the semi-pro Albany Empress AFL Dance Team during her junior year and took on the position of Captain of the UAlbany Dance Team her senior year of college. Upon graduating, she teamed up with her brother Corey and Co-Founded the Capital District Arts Initiative, a recreational and professional artistic training facility out of Latham, NY.
She serves as the Business and Marketing director of the facility and continues to educate and mentor students of all ages in several different genres of dance. She also serves as the Assistant Dance Team Coach & Choreographer for the NLL Albany WolfPack Dance Team!
Being an Albany native, giving back to the Capital Region and educating young artists is something she has looked forward to doing for years. She is eager is pass on her knowledge to each student who crosses her path.
Being apart of this performance means everything to Jenna. She is excited to continue using dance as a way to spread joy, entertain, and bring awareness to such a great cause.
