Evalye Alexander
Evalye Alexander is the Founder and CEO of Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation (COAC), a nonprofit based in the US whose mission is to empower individuals to reach self-sufficiency from challenges such as food insecurity, joblessness, homelessness, basic need issues, domestic violence, and more. As a caring individual who is empowerment focused, it is her biggest mission to help people reach hurdles and obstacles in their lives by providing knowledge and resources to help get them there.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Before I founded COAC, I was in higher education, managing student affairs, workforce development, and strategic partnerships on a national level across 23 states in the US. Throughout my career, I’d been promoted every two years and had amazing opportunities to transform and launch institutional departments from the ground up. I worked with campus presidents who trusted my expertise to implement and execute their strategic visions. My corporate life was great. My goal was to become a dean of student affairs eventually. As a young girl, I’d watched my mom achieve history by becoming the first black woman in our county to achieve a political seat that served 1M+ constituents. She instilled a strong sense of professionalism and the heart to give back to my community.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
To most people, it seemed that I’d reached a professional pinnacle and personally, my life was the typical American dream (big house, car, 2 kids, financially stable). But my life wasn’t what it seemed on the outside. Inside, I was lost spiritually and couldn’t really find my footing. Quietly, I was mentally spiraling from depression, anxiety, negative and suicidal thoughts. I let everyone around me make decisions that pulled me around. I was doing things for everyone, and I completely forgot to add the BIGGEST most IMPORTANT thing to the equation – “ME”. Years of me not knowing who I was and being the person that others wanted me to be, spiraled into a mental breakdown. In 2019, I attempted suicide for the 2nd time in my life. After the first suicide attempt in my 20s, I swept everything that I’d dealt with under the rug – only for it to get worse and pop up again for a 2nd time. I knew that I had to get help and that I had to use my voice to say something, ANYTHING that could help me! This was the first time I had to consider MYSELF before anyone else, including my kids and husband. This was the first time that I took a stand for ME, what I wanted to do, and who I wanted to be.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”*
During my healing journey, I discovered my identity and purpose in this life and became anchored spiritually. In doing that, God started to show me who He designed me to be. He gave me the vision of COAC and began to align my passions and purpose together. I’d always had a passion for helping others, but I’d always used this passion to help other people and businesses thrive. I never once considered this for myself, let alone to lead a life as an entrepreneur. This was my YES. Not only was I going for it, but I was also betting on the better and healed version of myself. The happy version of me. The me that helped others during their lowest points.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Have faith, pray, and know that every complication is meant for growth. Just be settled in that alone. God will then align people and things in your life to help move you through the challenges that come with entrepreneurship.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
During this journey of finding myself, I decided to bet on myself and listen to what I was hearing God say to me. This was one of the first times that I can actively recall being spiritually obedient on purpose. This was the moment I started COAC in April 2019, and by September 2019, I was positioned in the county school system to help feed elementary children who were considered low-income, homeless, or transient. I would feed 60+ kids monthly and provide Christmas gifts, turkeys, and to army veterans for Thanksgiving. Then, COVID happened, and my business took a standstill for one whole year! For a lot of companies, COVID caused quite a bit of challenges. Schools and businesses worldwide were shut down, and my business was among them. During this time, I decided to continue to work on myself and my healing journey, and I began to ask God to realign my purpose and passions. I wasn’t sure where COAC was going to go after COVID, and a lot of businesses had to restructure to an online model. As a new business owner, I wasn’t sure what this looked like. Throughout my career, I had found a passion for creating career documents that empowered professionals to land their dream jobs and transition careers with ease. During the shutdown, I realized how I could merge this passion into my business and developed an internal structure that allowed professionals to pay for career development services all while supporting the communities that we served. This opened so many doors for my organization. It allowed my organization to soar to new heights and make a greater impact in the community.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Here’s our impact to date: We’ve provided food and basic needs to 2,100+ men, women, and children. We’ve helped 4,000+ men and women successfully achieve their career goals, reenter the workforce, and create self-sustaining habits to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity, I would like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change I envision for the world. I passionately believe in a future where equity and access to resources are no longer determined by factors such as class, financial status, race, gender, or sexuality. I dream of a world where every individual has an equal chance to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. As women entrepreneurs, we have the power to challenge the existing narrative and redefine the possibilities. I would encourage young women to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and use it as a catalyst for positive change. Let us break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and create inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their unique talents to the table. In this future world, I envision women entrepreneurs leading the charge in creating innovative solutions that address systemic inequalities. We can foster collaborative ecosystems that provide mentorship, funding, and support for underrepresented individuals, helping them navigate the entrepreneurial journey with confidence and resilience. I would urge young women entrepreneurs to actively seek out opportunities to uplift and empower others, to leverage their networks and resources to create meaningful impact. By promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities within our own ventures, we can inspire a ripple effect that transcends industries and permeates society as a whole. Moreover, I firmly believe that the change we seek starts within ourselves. It is essential for women entrepreneurs to cultivate a culture of empathy, compassion, and fairness within their organizations. By leading with integrity, valuing diverse perspectives, and championing equality, we can create a lasting legacy of positive change. I invite young women entrepreneurs to join me on this journey, to dream big, and to let their entrepreneurial endeavors be a driving force for societal transformation. Together, we can build a future where opportunities abound for all, and where the potential of every individual is realized, regardless of the barriers they face. Let us be the change we want to see in the world, one entrepreneurial venture at a time.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Through my personal and professional journey, I have embraced a profound truth: never lose sight of your true identity and the purpose for which you were created by a higher power. Remember that your present circumstances are not accidental but rather essential for your growth and development. Each experience, every moment, carries valuable lessons that shape your wisdom and contribute to the evolution of your true self. This realization empowers you to embrace your uniqueness, knowing that you are already a masterpiece crafted with intention and purpose.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
Women’s leadership today is an undeniable force of empowerment and progress. We are witnessing a remarkable shift towards greater gender equality and the recognition of women’s unique perspectives and talents in leadership roles. It is inspiring to see women breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and making significant contributions in various sectors and industries. However, there is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and support for women in leadership positions. By embracing and celebrating women’s leadership, we create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
To our young women leaders and audience reading this, I want to say: Embrace your power, passion, and potential. Believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference. Remember that your voice matters, and your unique perspectives are invaluable. Don’t be afraid to dream big and pursue your ambitions with determination. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who uplift and support you. Be resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, for they are opportunities for growth and learning. Stay true to your values and lead with integrity. Together, let us continue to break barriers, inspire change, and create a future where all women can thrive. You are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and the world needs your vision and lead