Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Ingram.
Alexandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was asked to co-teach Algebra I as a City Year Corps Member in Miami and my immediate response was, [laughter] “Are you serious? No!” Math was my most challenging subject and it did not interest me throughout my school years, so it was impossible for me to teach Algebra I to 9th graders. When my Program Manager gave me no other option, but to assist in a Math class, I immediately felt the anxiety of 12 years old Alex resurfacing. By the end of my service year, I fully understood my purpose in teaching Math to 9th graders. I knew how to communicate on all levels, I was patient, I brought a “tough love” perspective that went beyond the classroom because I knew how it felt to think I am not good enough.
I was not the most confident child; I was my own critic on the basketball court and in the classroom. I hindered my own abilities because I thought I was not good enough. I was the type of student who spent extra hours completing assignments and wondered why my peers completed the minimum and received a higher grade all throughout grade school and college. I never thought of myself as an intelligent person, but had a strong work ethic. My parents always taught me, never to compare myself to others and to do what it takes to complete a goal. I know what it’s like to need that extra push just to realize my full potential. I am so grateful for those who played an intricate part in my development as a woman throughout all of my experiences. I have pushed myself beyond so many limits that I once thought were unattainable.
As the Founder and Executive Director, I currently lead teen girls into a healthy transition to womanhood with my mentorship program, Make The Distinction. I ensure that self-confidence and personal development is the foundation. I take it personally when I hear young people being too critical on themselves because that once was me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Without experiencing challenges and obstacles, I would not have the drive and ambition that I have today. A few obstacles include moving past the fear of failure and stepping into the unknown while starting Make The Distinction, relocating to and from Miami on my own, and ultimately having doors shut in order for others to open. I have learned to follow my passion and walk into my purpose; not just for myself, but for others.
Make The Distinction – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Moving to Miami to serve with City Year and starting Make The Distinction were some of my proud moments. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and challenged myself in ways that were uncommon among my peers during that time. I moved to Miami on my own, developed lifelong friendships, and truly understood my role to empower youth. I always knew that I wanted my own program or a healthy physical place for youth to go. Make The Distinction was an idea on paper for two years. I kept a journal filled with ideas based on what I wanted this future program to look like, unbeknownst to me when I would actually move my feet. I noticed that there were so many nonprofits serving teen girls in Philadelphia, which made me second guess starting a program.
My mentor, at the time, explained that there is only one “Alexandra Ingram” who can connect with the youth, having my personality, my drive, and my story…no one can take that away. Thus, I took the initiative to meet with other Founders of various organizations, participated in workshops/training, and researched how to start a 501(c)(3). I shared this aspiration with two of my former students in the YMCA’s Y Achievers program as a program coordinator and they spoke life into my idea. As a result, they were one of the few girls who joined my program. In 2017, I held my very first meeting with parents and teen girls to introduce Make The Distinction! Did I see myself as a Founder and Executive Director as a teenager… not at all (I actually wanted to be a lawyer). Therefore, this is a constant reminder that how you start does not determine how you finish.
Currently, I am building partnerships with various schools and facilitating workshops such as character and leadership development. I am also a Lifeguard at the YMCA and I teach healthy decision making in the Philadelphia School District. I plan on continuing to build my personal brand, along with Make The Distinction throughout the City of Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
I was very quiet as a child and as long as I had my blanket, I was cool! In hindsight, I think it brought a sense of comfort and calmness, even though many people always messed with me about having it all of the time. I am the youngest of three and I come from a very large and close-knit family. My parents played a major role in my development. They taught and showed me the importance of working hard, integrity, and character. I broke out of my shell in the fourth grade when I began playing basketball. Swimming was my very first sport at the age of 6, but I hated getting into a freezing cold pool. I started playing basketball with my older brother and cousins, which toughened me up! I played basketball until I graduated from high school, played intramural sports in college and in a basketball and flag football adult league. I tore my ACL playing basketball in 2013, which put me in a dark place, considering my love for sports and being active. As long as I can run up and down the court, you will see me with a ball (no matter how old I get).
My parents were firm believers in building myself and siblings’ a strong foundation in the church. So, I was heavily involved in all church activities. My most favorite memory was attending Camp Nazarene in the rural parts of PA where I built most of my childhood friendships. I always considered myself a mixture between an introvert and extrovert as a child and in my adulthood. Some say that I am the life of the party, others may say I am the quietest one in the room. I am an observer and a thinker, so I usually speak when necessary in various settings based on comfortability.
I always knew a lot of people and was cool with all types of people, but usually, remain low key and laid back.
Thus, I enjoy having close friendships. Lastly, I truly take pride in being an Auntie of 6 beautiful nieces and nephews! Spending time with my family is very important to me… I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.makethedistinction.org
- Phone: (267) 625-2970
- Email: contact@makethedistinction.org
- Instagram: @mtdistinction
- Facebook: Make The Distinction
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