shape

what could be

I see it all the time…

When people set out to make a difference, they become beholden to the structures they once dreamed of changing. They start to believe that change is impossible; they grow complacent, cynical, and even stuck.

Early in my career in criminal justice, I found myself frustrated by how many around me had fallen into being “servants of what is.” Even me at times! There was a delta between who I wanted to be and what I could be because of my mindset and the challenges that come with working in a large system.

“All too often, on the long road up, young leaders become servants of what is rather than shapers of what might be.”

John Gardner, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon B. Johnson

But the reality is that no system, no community, and no organization can thrive without leaders who dare to dream bigger—leaders who are committed to reshaping what’s possible.

That’s why I believe the future belongs to those willing to break free from cynical thinking and become leaders of what might be.

shaping

possibility

After a 25+ year career in criminal justice, both as a line staff member working directly with individuals who are justice-involved and as a trainer, teacher, and coach working with organizational leaders, I’ve seen a lot. You’d think I’d feel hopeless about the state of things.

Quite the opposite.

If anything, walking alongside disenfranchised individuals, cynical staff, and misguided leaders in the corrections field has shown me what happens when people choose a different path and step boldly into what could be. Change isn’t easy, but it’s always possible.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, disillusioned, or overwhelmed by the system you’re part of, it’s not the end of the story.

There’s a different way forward: one rooted in resilient optimism – the skill, art, and practice of facing challenges without getting stuck. It is this mindset and skill that takes us out of our cycles and into changemaking.

Because extraordinary lives in the bold,
the courageous, and the hopeful.

Meet the Original Resilient Optimist

dr.

alex

Dr. Alex is the co-founder of the Alliance for Community and Justice Innovation (ACJI), where she and her partners equip community and justice change leaders with implementation science frameworks to make long-lasting and meaningful changes across their organizations. Her work is rooted in the philosophy of resilient optimism—a mindset and practice that transforms stuckness into possibility and action.

Real change is possible. Everyone has the power to be a catalyst for it.

In her relatable talks, Dr. Alex blends science-backed research with powerful anecdotes of personal transformation to inspire leaders and changemakers to think beyond the status quo. Whether addressing system-level reform or individual growth, her message is simple: real change is possible, and everyone has the power to be a catalyst for it.

values

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Embrace resilient optimism to step into the mindset of what’s possible

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Challenge “What Is” and consider “What COULD Be”

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Commit to being a force for good in an uncertain world

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Be inclusive—there's more than enough space for everyone

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Bridge divides with empathy no matter background or lived experience

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Champion change no matter background or position

  • Alex, you have impacted my life greatly in the past three years, and I am better for knowing you. The way that you simply carry yourself, exuding GENUINE care and compassion for those you cross paths with, speaks to the heart of who you are as a person and is a model to strive toward.

    Rachel Miller

    Statewide Evidence-Based Practices
    Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Corrections

  • Alex’s personality is engaging, her energy level is high, and her enthusiasm is contagious. She conveys a large amount of information effectively and deals with questions with skill and tact. One of our veteran chiefs said, I’ve been in the business for 40 years and this is the best training I have ever attended

    William D. Burrell

    Corrections Management Consultant,
    Burrell Consulting, LLC

  • I consider Alex a mentor. Her technical expertise is unmatched and she provides a unique and effective way of delivering critical information to improve correctional work environments.

    Jessica Dennis

    Superintendent of the Ohio Adult Parole Authority

  • Not only have you helped me continue to grow as a leader, but you have personally helped me through a rough patch in my career. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your already busy schedule to meet with me and help me see alternative perspectives to the situation. Although it was not easy for me, you forced me to stop and consider the different views which has allowed me to learn and utilize this approach in my current leadership role.

    Jason Perez

    Supervisor, Ohio Department of Corrections,
    Adult Parole Authority

  • Dr. Walker is a talented speaker, trainer, facilitator, coach, and mentor. She will inspire you & your team to discover new insights & grow in meaningful ways. You will look back at your decision to work with Dr. Walker as one of the best decisions you have made in your own professional development & that of your team.

    Amanda Milligan

    District Director of the Second District, Iowa Department of Corrections

  • Dr. Alexandra Walker’s training and coaching approach hinges on perfectly balanced energy, empathy, curiosity and humor as she validates experiences while introducing new strategies. She effectively models the skills she presents in a genuine way that highlights the reality that with commitment, improvement is possible. Her support extends well beyond training/coaching sessions as she engages in a thoughtful and responsive way to inquires about content or requests for more information and resources. She is amazing!

    Karley Jorgenson

    Director of MRRA Planning & Implementation, Minnesota Department of Corrections

  • Anyone who is interested in mending the rift between innovative ideas and practical application can learn from Alex. She’s a true pioneer in empowering leaders to support their staff in bringing strategic initiatives to life.

    Nicholas Powell

    Director of Strategic Planning & Analysis, Georgia
    Department of Community Supervision

Embrace Setbacks. Become a Changemaker.

Book Dr. Alex to speak at your next conference or event. Join her mission to inspire resilient optimism and bridge divides for organizational leaders who want to spark change.