Hi, I’m Alexis, the Southern Piedmont Regional Organizer with Piedmont Promise. A little about me: I graduated from UNC Charlotte in May with my Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management. Before joining Piedmont Promise, I worked in public health and have always loved anything related to education and community well-being. 

When it comes to conservation, I believe that a healthy planet is essential for healthy people. I approach everything from a community health perspective because the people around us, like neighbors, friends, family, and strangers, truly matter. It’s important to remember that our actions create a better place not just for ourselves but also for others. I hope that twenty years from now someone will benefit from the effort we put in today. 

Building on this perspective, I joined Piedmont Promise in August, and already, I’ve seen the importance of grassroots efforts and how they can truly impact communities. In my role, whether tabling at events or meeting with community members, I hope to inspire people to look out for each other and show that community involvement plays a big part in statewide advocacy. 

As someone born and primarily raised in North Carolina, I’ve seen how quickly the state has grown. With that growth comes opportunities for positive change. From expanding public transportation to protecting farmland, I want to raise awareness about Piedmont Promise priorities and remind people that change starts at the local level and that each of us can make a difference. 

Another area of focus for me is bringing more people into the conservation conversation. Recently, I’ve been connecting with high schoolers involved with The New Normal X and C.L.E.A.R. NC, a youth-led group participating in the NC Youth Climate Summit in November. Many of these students shared that they struggle to find ways to get involved. This motivates me to support youth advocacy and highlight the impact their voices can have. Engaging with groups like these is crucial because younger perspectives and ideas are too often overlooked in conservation advocacy. 

I also enjoy being part of a network of advocates across the Southern Piedmont who each bring their own passions and expertise. Working alongside them allows me to keep learning and gain new perspectives on important issues in our region. My goal is to be a source of support and encouragement for others while also helping to educate and involve local communities in this advocacy network. 

Since starting, I’ve noticed that many people aren’t always aware of what’s happening at the state level. But when they do learn about issues and get excited to take action, it reminds me how much potential there is for positive change. I’m thrilled to continue building connections, supporting communities, and seeing how our work in the Piedmont can grow and make an even bigger impact in the months and years ahead.