About Stokes Strategy & Consulting
Stokes Strategy & Consulting (SSC) provides consultation and training services to education and corporate organizations. We specialize in working with organizations to move from words to sustainable action and creating a culture of engagement through equity driven practices. We work with individuals at all levels of the organization to make diversity, equity, and inclusion a part of the infrastructure of the organization and not an add-on. It is imperative that leadership has the skills necessary to create inclusive environments where individuals from historically marginalized groups can thrive.
Our Guiding Principles
Data will highlight inequities and issues of inclusion and belonging. This data paired with research can guide an action plan that addresses the specific concerns in the community.
Name the Problem
To effectively address a problem, one cannot shy away from accurately naming the problem. Central to this is assessing policies, data, and culture and being transparent about what is found.
Be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
If the work of equity and inclusion feels comfortable, then we haven't gotten to the root of the problem. This work involves engaging in self-understanding and challenging systems. We will not see sustainable change until we lean into this discomfort and take difficult but necessary action.
Debias Systems
Inequities and injustice are built into our policies and culture. Therefore, actions should focus on the debiasing of systems not just people. Building equitable systems coupled with training and development for individuals to uphold those systems creates systemic change.
Equity is Everyone's Responsibility
The work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging should not be solely carried by historically marginalized groups. Creating systemic change requires those in positions of power and privilege to engage in reflection and intentional action to combat systems of oppression.
Dr. Alexis J. Stokes is originally from New Orleans, LA and also grew up in Mobile, AL. With a family full of educators and public servants, it is in her blood to fight for equity and justice. Alexis is an unapologetic advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and credits her success to the strong foundation Xavier University of Louisiana provided. She is a third generation HBCU graduate and carries the spirit of her ancestors with her every day.
Dr. Stokes is the Founder and Chief Strategist at Stokes Strategy and Consulting. She works with universities, non-profits, and corporate organizations to implement equitable and inclusive policies and practices. Alexis has worked with organizations such as Shorelight Education, Harvard University, YMCA of Middle Tennessee, Bridge Nashville, Inc., and Goodwill Industries. She has over 15 years of experience creating institutional change through policy and program development, capacity building initiatives, and implementing practices that increase access and opportunity. From strategic planning to program development and implementation, Alexis works with leadership to create a culture shift for equity and inclusion to be built into the infrastructure of the organization and not an add-on. Her areas of strength are strategy, inclusive leadership, culture assessment, training and development, community engagement, and recruitment.
Alexis was recently awarded the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice award by the ACE Women’s Network Massachusetts for her work to strengthen opportunities for women and being a champion of systemic change. Her most recent publication, A Framework for the Sustainability of WOC DEIA+ Practitioners, draws on the experiences of eight women and their journey in creating the Queen's Collective, a community of practice that centers women of color equity practitioners and invests in career mobility and sustainability, as well as personal well-being.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Xavier University 40 Under 40 Honoree
Xavier created the 40 Under 40 program in 2014 to identify and engage high-achieving younger alumni, who are well positioned to serve as advocates and ambassadors for the university, and who have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with the university.
Awards
Donald A. Gatzke Dissertation Award
by the American Association of University Administrators
Dean "Venky" Narayanamurti Staff Award
for Excellence in Mentoring and Community Building
Murray-Cunningham Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Saks Memorial Scholarship
Rousseve Scholar
Education
Vanderbilt University
Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy
University of Georgia
Master's of Education in Community Counseling
Xavier University of Louisiana
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Minor in Social Work
