Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexia (Lexi) Savage.
Hi Alexia (Lexi), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve lived in South Florida for 30 years! It sounds crazy as I write it… But I’ve been here in Palm Beach County for most of my life now. We moved to Florida from New York when I was 15 years old, right in the middle of my sophomore year of high school, which as a dramatic teenager was a big deal and not something I was happy about. But, upon arrival at Boca Raton Community High School, even though it was a bit of a culture shock from my Briarcliff Manor, New York high school, I made friends quickly and settled in with a great group that I am proud to say I am still friends with to this day. Most importantly, if we hadn’t moved to Florida, not only would I not have my group of life-long besties, but I also wouldn’t have met my amazing husband, had our son and built the sweet life we share.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life changed pretty quickly after we moved to Florida, my parents divorced within the year, but that’s a long complicated tale for another time. I am a firm believer that every negative experience has a positive aspect, even if you don’t realize it at the time. The silver lining, if you will. So, for me, as difficult as it was to move and have my home and family life change so drastically, it ended up being a pivotal moment that truly shaped me and made me who I am today. It was a tough time, no doubt, but it was also a time that taught me resilience when I discovered the strength that my mother and I both had deep within us — a strength we never knew was there until we had to access it. My mother did whatever she needed to do to make sure that we were able to live comfortably, I never went without and looking back on it years later, after becoming a mother myself, I realized how much she sacrificed to make that happen. Through her actions, love and support, she instilled in me the perseverance, work ethic, and independence that gave me the drive to work my way through college (twice!), pursue my dreams and follow my heart. Going through so much together also deepened our bond — she has always been by my side, my rock, and done everything within her power to be there for me. And now, she’s an awesome Mimi to my son and it fills my heart to see how much they love each other.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am grateful to have a career that allows me to make a difference and feel fulfilled. I work for United Way Worldwide, the largest global nonprofit that advances the common good in communities across the world with a focus is on education, income and health—the basics needed for a good quality of life. I’m the Engagement Director for the Southeast Region of the United States, supporting approximately 255 United Ways in a nine-state territory. I have the privilege of working with incredible leaders who work hard everyday to ensure that the residents in the communities they serve are able to thrive. I am celebrating two years at United Way Worldwide and ten years with the United Way Network. Prior to my current position, I was the Senior Vice President of Communications and Resource Development with United Way of Palm Beach County, right here in West Palm Beach. There, I led the overall fundraising and marketing efforts for eight years, working under the leadership of Dr. Laurie George, their first-ever woman CEO who was (and is) a great mentor, role model and friend to me. Prior to United Way I worked in the arts for a few of our awesome local Museums, and every step of the way, I have been fortunate to work for strong women who encouraged me both personally and professionally. This kind of support from the women in my life – from my mother to my bosses – was critical to my growth and allowed me to not only find my path to success but also to pay it forward as a mentor, to help others do the same. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of women supporting women in the workplace and beyond!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Most of my favorite childhood memories take place in Virginia Beach. Every summer, we’d go visit my grandparents and I would get to see my cousins from various states and play on the beach all day swimming, finding shells, building sandcastles and doing all the beachy fun things! My grandparents lived in a condo right on the Chesapeake Bay so buckets of blue crabs on picnic tables was also an important part of the experience! And, I loved looking through my grandpa’s telescope at the big Navy ships and barges, sleeping with the windows open listening to the sound of the waves crash ashore. I get nostalgic just thinking about it all. It’s certainly where my love of the beach and ocean began and why it continues to bring me such calm and peace.
Image Credits
Head shot by Tracey Benson Photography Thea Wicks (mom) & Lexi Savage wedding day Lexi at UWW HQ in Alexandria Lexi and Laurie George (United Way PBC CEO) Ebon, Elliot & Lexi selfie 🙂
