We recently had the chance to connect with Alexis Harris Ph.D. and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexis, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day involve waking up with a prayer, drinking as much water as possible, making coffee, getting a few steps in, and heading to the gym for some strength training.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Alexis Harris — a political scientist, college professor, and digital strategist based in Atlanta. My work sits at the intersection of politics, education, and culture. By day, I serve as the Digital Director for the Democratic Party of Georgia, helping shape the stories and strategies that move voters in one of the most important battleground states in the country. I’m also deeply passionate about bridging the gap between classrooms and campaigns — showing students, especially young people of color, that they have a place in shaping democracy and that their voices matter. I’m also the founder of the Madam Speaker Institute for Political Communications, a national training and consulting organization that bridges the gap between the classroom and the campaign trail. At Madam Speaker, we recruit and coach college students to serve on campaigns, help candidates sharpen their communication skills, and empower emerging leaders—especially those historically underrepresented—to practice politics with purpose.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom has always been my blueprint for purpose and persistence. She showed me that leadership doesn’t always look like being in charge — sometimes it’s about listening deeply, caring for people, and holding a vision even when no one else sees it yet. Everything I do today, from teaching to political work to mentoring young people, carries her influence. She saw the teacher, strategist, and leader in me long before I had the words for it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success can be loud, but suffering is quiet — it forces you to listen, to reflect, and to rebuild from a more honest place. The setbacks in my journey — whether personal or professional — reminded me that purpose isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience. I’m grateful for the hard moments because they made me more grounded, more human, and more connected to the people I serve.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is people — their stories, their growth, and their power. I care deeply about helping folks see themselves as leaders, whether that’s in a classroom, a campaign, or their own community. They’d also tell you I’m big on purpose and integrity — that I don’t do anything halfway, and I try to make sure what I pour my energy into actually makes a difference.
They know I value real connection, not performative politics. I want people to feel seen, informed, and inspired to take action. And if you ask them what drives me most, they’d say it’s my belief that we all have a role in shaping the world around us — and that when we understand our power, we can change everything.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think people would miss the way I make complex things feel possible. Whether it’s a campaign strategy, a communications challenge, or a student trying to find their voice, I have a way of breaking things down so people feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
They’d also probably miss my energy and the sense of purpose I bring to the work. I care deeply about people and results — and I try to make every project, meeting, or class feel intentional. I think my “customers” — whether that’s a campaign team, a student, or a colleague — would miss having someone who sees both the big picture and the human side of the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madamspeaker.org/
- Twitter: https://x.com/madamspeakerorg?s=21&t=jXv6yJ0ZwRabWHGRk8Kqog
