Alexandria Means, CV, CDVC

I attribute my success to a deep desire to break cycles and create a better life—not only for myself, but for those connected to me and the communities I serve. My journey has been profoundly shaped by witnessing the resilience of my mother and grandmother, who navigated challenges with strength, grace, and perseverance. They faced adversity toe to toe. This left a lasting impact on me. Their ability to keep going, even in difficult circumstances, instilled in me a determination to do more, be more, and build something meaningful. 

I also credit my mother and grandmother for laying the foundation of my faith. Because of them, I am grounded spiritually, drawing strength, clarity, and purpose from that foundation, which has guided me through both personal and professional challenges. This, combined with my commitment to continuous growth and intentional living, fuels my passion for service and drives the work I do each day to create lasting impact.

 The best advice I’ve received is to always put people over the work and if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. Programs, goals, and deadlines matter, but people should be at the heart of everything we do. When you prioritize relationships, listen intentionally, and lead with empathy, the work becomes more meaningful and impactful. Strong teams, trust, and genuine care create outcomes that no checklist ever could. Documentation is critical for accountability, continuity, and growth. It ensures that efforts are recognized, progress is tracked, and decisions are informed by accurate information. Whether for reporting, compliance, or storytelling, documentation protects the integrity of the work. 

I would tell a young woman entering this field that we can do hard things—and to trust your gut. You are more capable than you think! The hard things, that challenge and stretch us, are only here to mold and refine us into the best versions of ourselves. Become pliable. Lean into opportunities to grow beyond where you are.

There may be moments when you question yourself—wondering if it’s the right move, the right time, or even the right age. I’ve been there. But if you’re still here, still breathing, then you are fully capable. You came here with an innate toolkit that is always ready to be used. When you’re unsure, what does your gut say? Don’t dismiss it. That’s your body’s way of throwing up a red (stop), white (surrender), or green (go) flag. You may not have the details. You may not know the why. But trust it. It’s our natural compass that is commonly unused. 

Working in the domestic violence field is both deeply impactful and very complex, with significant challenges and meaningful opportunities to create change.

 One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing stigma and silence surrounding domestic violence, which often prevents survivors from seeking help. Limited funding and resources continue to strain organizations, making it difficult to meet the full scope of survivor needs—from emergency support to long-term stability. Additionally, navigating systems such as legal, housing, and healthcare can be overwhelming for survivors, and service providers often have to bridge those gaps. 

At the same time, there are powerful opportunities to expand impact. Increasing awareness and education can help shift cultural norms and reduce stigma, making it easier and more comfortable for survivors to come forward. There is also growing recognition of the need for not just trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches, but healing-informed as well. This allows organizations to provide more holistic and effective support. Collaboration across sectors, such as, legal, mental health, housing, and economic empowerment, creates stronger pathways for long-term stability. Additionally, advocacy for policies and laws that protect survivors continues to open doors for systemic change.

Ultimately, while the challenges are real, the opportunity to help survivors reclaim their lives and to influence lasting change in communities makes this work both necessary and transformative.

The values most important to me are faith and purpose. My faith is my foundation, guiding my decisions, shaping how I treat others, and anchoring me through every season of life. Purpose drives everything I do, ensuring that my work and personal life are aligned with meaning and impact.

Integrity and compassion naturally flow from honoring these core values. Because I am grounded in my faith, I am called to act with honesty, consistency, and accountability, doing what is right even when it’s not easy or visible. In the same way, compassion is a reflection of both my faith and my purpose. It shapes how I show up for others, allowing me to lead with empathy, extend grace, and meet people where they are. When I stay aligned with my faith and purpose, integrity and compassion are not forced—they become a natural expression of who I am.

"If I can help somebody, as I travel along

If I can help somebody, with a word or song

If I can help somebody, from doing wrong

No, my living shall not be in vain"

-Mahalia Jackson/Alma Bazel Androzzo