Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Shantel Alix Fernandex: Leading From Lived Experience
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Shantel Alix Fernandex: Leading From Lived Experience
In this episode of Creativity Connects, Mikki Wilson sits down with Shantel Alix Fernandez to explore how identity, lived experience, and community-centered leadership shape the way we show up for others. Shantel reflects on her journey as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, and how navigating systems that weren’t built for her informed the values she brings into her work today. This conversation goes beyond titles to examine leadership rooted in empathy, representation, and widening access for the next generation.
Key Topics Discussed
Leading from lived experience and identity
Representation, mentorship, and belonging in leadership spaces
Community-centered work and relational impact
Navigating systems while staying grounded in humanity
What it means to widen the path for others
Memorable Quotes
“When I look at myself in the mirror and think about who I am—as an immigrant, as a person of color, as an Afro-Latina, as a trans woman—it can be hard to say, ‘I belong there.’” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“That’s what I love about my job—I get to interact with people’s reality.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“Representation is so important. A great mentor sees something in you that you can’t see in yourself—and knows how to pull that out.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“That’s how change happens—you widen the path behind you so it’s easier for the next person.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
About the Guest
Shantel Alix Fernandez is a community leader whose work centers equity, representation, and human-centered impact. Drawing from her lived experience as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, Shantel brings empathy, awareness, and intentionality into every space she leads. Her work focuses on building systems and relationships that honor people’s realities while expanding access and opportunity across the North Shore.
About the Host
Mikki L. Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she builds sustainable support systems for women that amplify their value, voice, and visibility. Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki brings women together, creates spaces for real conversation, and builds meaningful relationships that move their work forward.
About the Podcast
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast that goes beyond the brand to explore the authentic journeys of women entrepreneurs and community leaders. Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting, the podcast highlights the moments, motivations, and lived experiences that shape how women show up in leadership and service. Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
Connect with Shantel Alix Fernandez
About Shantel: https://northshorecdc.org/staff/shantel-alix/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-esmeralda-alix-fernandez-163752163/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with North Shore Community Development Coalition
Website: https://www.northshorecdc.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorecdc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreCDC/
View all episodes
By Creative Collective in Collaboration with Peabody TVIn this episode of Creativity Connects, Mikki Wilson sits down with Shantel Alix Fernandez to explore how identity, lived experience, and community-centered leadership shape the way we show up for others. Shantel reflects on her journey as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, and how navigating systems that weren’t built for her informed the values she brings into her work today. This conversation goes beyond titles to examine leadership rooted in empathy, representation, and widening access for the next generation.
Key Topics Discussed
Leading from lived experience and identity
Representation, mentorship, and belonging in leadership spaces
Community-centered work and relational impact
Navigating systems while staying grounded in humanity
What it means to widen the path for others
Memorable Quotes
“When I look at myself in the mirror and think about who I am—as an immigrant, as a person of color, as an Afro-Latina, as a trans woman—it can be hard to say, ‘I belong there.’” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“That’s what I love about my job—I get to interact with people’s reality.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“Representation is so important. A great mentor sees something in you that you can’t see in yourself—and knows how to pull that out.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
“That’s how change happens—you widen the path behind you so it’s easier for the next person.” — Shantel Alix Fernandez
About the Guest
Shantel Alix Fernandez is a community leader whose work centers equity, representation, and human-centered impact. Drawing from her lived experience as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, Shantel brings empathy, awareness, and intentionality into every space she leads. Her work focuses on building systems and relationships that honor people’s realities while expanding access and opportunity across the North Shore.
About the Host
Mikki L. Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she builds sustainable support systems for women that amplify their value, voice, and visibility. Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki brings women together, creates spaces for real conversation, and builds meaningful relationships that move their work forward.
About the Podcast
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast that goes beyond the brand to explore the authentic journeys of women entrepreneurs and community leaders. Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting, the podcast highlights the moments, motivations, and lived experiences that shape how women show up in leadership and service. Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
Connect with Shantel Alix Fernandez
About Shantel: https://northshorecdc.org/staff/shantel-alix/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-esmeralda-alix-fernandez-163752163/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with North Shore Community Development Coalition
Website: https://www.northshorecdc.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorecdc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreCDC/