Influential Woman · Education
Alexa Bernard-Conday, Ed.S.
Founder, The Bernard Perspective
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Her Story
About Alexa
Alexa Bernard-Conday, Ed.S., is an educator, leadership consultant, and founder of The Bernard Perspective, an initiative focused on elevating women, particularly Black women, in leadership through purpose, power, and poise. Originally from New York and now based in Louisiana, she has built a career in education spanning more than a decade and reflecting both depth and impact.
She began her journey as an English teacher in Washington, D.C., where she created space for rich conversations and helped students connect literature to their own lived experiences. That early work shaped her approach to leadership, grounding it in relationships, instruction, and reflection. She holds bachelor's and master’s degrees in education from Howard University, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Northwestern State University.
Over the years, Alexa has remained committed to strengthening school communities and expanding opportunities for students. As principal in Louisiana, she led a significant school turnaround, improving campus culture, reducing disciplinary issues, and raising the school’s performance rating from an F to a C within two years. Her work centered on creating environments where students feel safe, supported, and capable of success.
She later moved into a district-level administrator role, where she manages funding, ensures compliance, and develops programs to support the district’s most vulnerable student populations.
Her work speaks directly to the systemic challenges Black women often navigate in leadership spaces, including the glass ceiling and the glass cliff. She also introduces the idea of “crystal stairs” as a professional and cultural nod to Black women in educational leadership, drawing inspiration from Langston Hughes and the enduring symbolism of perseverance. Through this lens, she not only names the barriers but also uplifts the resilience, strategy, and grace Black women carry as professionals. Her approach fosters confidence and authenticity through thoughtful reflection, creating space for women to lead with a sense of self and purpose.
Continuing her commitment to growth, Alexa has been accepted into a doctoral program at Johns Hopkins University. Her research will focus on strengthening support systems for women in educational leadership, further aligning her academic work with the impact she is already making in the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alexa
01What do you attribute your success to?
When I think about my success, persistence is definitely at the center of it. I have stayed grounded and committed, even on the hard days, and it truly makes a difference. Just as important, though, is the community I have around me. My friends and family are always supportive of me and my journey. The work I do is not always easy, so having people I can lean on, take a breath with, and then step back into my role ready to lead has meant everything.
I also find motivation in the little things. Books, reading, and listening to music are practices I have carried with me since childhood, and they continue to bring me a sense of peace today. Music, especially, has been a constant for me. I will be honest, Beyoncé’s albums have gotten me through more than a few moments. There truly is a song for every moment, whether I need to reflect, regroup, or step forward confidently.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received has been both grounding and empowering. I have learned the importance of adapting without losing my identity, and of not shrinking or dimming who I am to make others feel more comfortable. If I shine, I shine, and I have come to embrace that fully.
Another piece of advice that has stayed with me, especially for someone who tends to overthink, is to reframe how I approach moments of uncertainty. I was encouraged to replace nervousness with a mindset of excitement. That simple shift has helped me move forward with greater confidence and intention, shaping not only how I respond in the moment but how I approach new opportunities overall.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It begins with trusting and feeding into myself. I trust my instincts and the clarity of my own thinking. I take time to reflect and make sure I am aligned in my decisions, but I do not let self-doubt grow to the point where I count myself out. I remind myself that I am capable and that my voice and perspective matter.
I also believe in committing to the process. Taking the time to do the work, to research, and to continue growing has been an important part of my journey. Alongside that, I have learned the value of grace and poise. For me, grace is not about being quiet or allowing others to overstep. It is about carrying myself with intention, confidence, and self-respect in every space I enter.
There is also a level of awareness that comes with leadership. I understand that not every moment requires a reaction. At times, there may be an expectation for one, but I have learned to remain grounded. Rather than responding emotionally, I focus on being strategic.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in this field is confidence, especially when navigating both external expectations and internal self-doubt. This is especially true for women in education. While women make up nearly 80 percent of the education workforce in the United States, they hold only about 30 percent of top leadership roles, such as principal and superintendent positions. When we look specifically at Black women, the gap becomes even more pronounced, with Black women representing roughly 1 to 1.5 percent of district leadership positions nationwide.
Because of that, confidence becomes more than a personal trait. It becomes necessary for navigating spaces where your presence may be questioned or your voice may be minimized. There are still moments where women are expected to be present but not fully heard, and that reality shows up in both subtle and direct ways. I have experienced moments where my voice was minimized, even in rooms with seasoned leaders, which serves as a reminder that these challenges still exist.
At the same time, I see this as an opportunity. It calls for us to be grounded in who we are, to be confident and firm in our voice, and to block out the noise, whether it comes from the outside or from within. For me, navigating this space is about staying focused and intentional. There will be challenges, but I have learned to push through, regain my footing, and keep moving forward with purpose. In doing so, we not only grow as leaders but also create space for others to do the same.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being reflective is one of the most important values I carry, because it shapes how I approach both my work and my personal life. I believe in taking the time to pause, think through situations, and make sure I am moving with intention. There is real strength in stepping back, reassessing, and making adjustments when needed. Growth comes from being willing to reflect, learn, and pivot when needed. Poise is also important to me because it influences how I show up in every space. It is about presence, self-awareness, and carrying myself with intention. Alongside that, I continue to value and build confidence. It shows up in how I lead, how I make decisions, and how I move through challenges.
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