Kacie Alexis is a model and activist. Born in Miami, raised in Phoenix and living between Los Angeles and New York City for the past decade, she is a mover and shaker who directs her ambitious ways toward helping the community and standing up for what she believes in.
Rolling out spoke with the striking beauty about her views on African American female leaders, the advice she’d given to her younger self, what she feels is her superpower, and so much more. Read below to find out what she shares.
As a woman of color, what do you consider your superpower to be?
As a woman of color, I believe my entire existence is a superpower in itself. My being challenges stereotypes daily. My confidence exposes insecurities in even the most “powerful” of men and my unwavering love for myself shields me from the harshest critics. Women of color hold the key within to shift judgements and lift spirits with the blink of an eye. When we walk in our light we cannot be stopped.
What key skills or qualities make you unique as an African American female leader?
I believe my tenacity plays a huge part in who I am today. It is very important for African American female leaders to persevere and remain resilient because we are faced with so many obstacles.
What thoughtful or encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
My younger self? Oh how I love her! She is amazing and she is still here within me every single day. I have not yet lost my inner child and I hope I never do. I feel my child-like spirit assists [me] in getting through the most difficult situations. I’d encourage my younger self to continue being unapologetically herself. I’d let her know that her strong personality may not be for everyone but to send them off with nothing but love and not allow the pain or hate to infiltrate her heart. Above all, I want my younger self to know she is love, she is loved and she deserved to be loved with the same purity she so often gives to others.
Why is it important for women of color to lead or work in leadership roles and decision-making capacities?
Women of color are natural born leaders and decision makers. Historically, we are queens. However, thanks to mainstream media, systematic racism and the less than ideal partial truths given throughout the American schooling system, we are often portrayed and perceived as much less. It is extremely important for women of color to step into our roles as leaders because the next [set of] generations are watching us. We must change the narrative.
If you could thank any Black woman history maker for her contributions to society, who would it be and why?
Sojourner Truth. This woman was a feminist before feminism was a thing. She laid the bricks for the platforms we have today. Sojourner Truth is magic, she is the truth, simple as that. I admire her bravery and independence.
Why is it important for seasoned and experienced Black women to reach back and help younger women of color?
Women of color need each other. We are taking hits from all sides, every sex, every race. The black woman is the most underappreciated being on this planet. We have to uplift each other. We have to love and care for each other. It is imperative [that] we look out for each other as sisters. The youth look up to us for guidance and being the older generations, we have a duty to plant the seeds in them that have been blessed enough to grow within ourselves.
How do you feel about the hashtag #CollaborationOverCompetition?
Uplifting one another is always better than tearing each other down. I feel that unfortunately, women are taught from a very young age to be in competition with other women, and this creates tension and jealousy between us. #CollaborationOverCompetition is beautiful and showcases that there is room at the table for all of us to eat.
What are your thoughts on taking risks? Making mistakes?
Take every risk you can! Make mistakes. Fall, get back up … this is how we learn.
What are three success habits you implement into your daily routine to maintain your success, sanity, peace of mind, etc.?
Well, recently I have been doing yoga every morning. Today was day 51 in a row and it has been incredible! I feel so much lighter and centered to tackle an obstacle that the day may throw my way. I also take a plethora of vitamins daily and drink at least gallon of water per day.
As a successful woman in business, what is your greatest or proudest achievement?
I’d say my proudest achievement is a compilation of everything I’ve shared thus far, persevering and surviving/thriving daily with hope and excitement for more future success!
Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
The universe holds my heart. I am inspired by her, mother nature, the creatures and beings of this world. As I see it, we are all one and she encompasses such a vision.
If you could have any person in the world become your mentor, who would you choose and why?
Can I choose travel as my mentor? I choose travel!
