Alfreida Bey-Casterlow
Alfreida Bey-Casterlow is a dedicated school secretary based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serving within Milwaukee Public Schools. In her day-to-day role, she supports school operations by managing student records, attendance, communications, and front-office coordination. Known for her calm presence in fast-paced environments, she plays a key role in ensuring that students, families, and staff experience an organized and welcoming school setting. Her work reflects a strong commitment to structure, reliability, and service in public education.
Beyond her core responsibilities, Bey-Casterlow has become deeply involved in improving school efficiency and operations. She has contributed to initiatives focused on reducing administrative waste, including identifying unnecessary printing processes and advocating for more streamlined, digital communication systems. Through this work, she has developed a reputation for noticing operational inefficiencies and proposing practical, cost-conscious solutions that support both staff workflow and district resources.
In addition to her school-based role, she is the founder of People First Leadershift/Employee & CST Mentoring, where she focuses on leadership development, workplace culture, and employee support. She is also currently pursuing academic growth at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, integrating her studies with real-world experience in education. Guided by a people-first philosophy, she is committed to creating supportive environments where both students and staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
• Substitute Teacher - Three Year Permit
• Head Trauma Certificate
• MEDIC Emergency First Aid
• Mandated reporter
• Notary Public
• Business Ethics And Diversification Certificate
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - BASc
• Business Ethics And Diversification Certificate
• Phi Theta Kappa
• Presidents List
• Milwaukee Public Schools
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my family’s enduring legacy of resilience and commitment to education. My grandmother, during the Jim Crow era, taught her children at home when access to schooling was limited, ensuring they continued learning despite harsh conditions that required long days of labor in the fields. My mother carried that foundation forward, overcoming significant barriers as a “rainy day child” to eventually earn a college degree and PhD while raising a large family and serving as an educator. Across generations, education has remained central in our family—valued not only as formal achievement but as a source of discipline, character, and opportunity—and I continue to draw strength and purpose from that legacy.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to bet on yourself and intentionally invest in your own growth. You have to see yourself as your most valuable asset and advocate, because if you don’t believe in your own ability to succeed, it becomes much harder for others to do so. Build your skills, strengthen your confidence, and commit to continuous self-improvement so you can create the opportunities you want rather than waiting for them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is digitizing records and notification systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and help preserve jobs. There is also value in better leveraging on-the-ground staff expertise instead of relying heavily on outside consultants. In addition, organizations have the potential to create new revenue streams by offering digitization and consulting services to other districts.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are equity, responsibility, and practical compassion. I believe in doing everything possible to help organizations save money and retain jobs, because behind every role is a family relying on stability and income. I am especially committed to supporting those on the ground level by ensuring they have the resources and security they need, while also advocating for stronger investment in programs that create better opportunities for children and communities. I also value broad access to success pathways, whether through college or skilled trades, because all forms of education and talent have worth and can lead to meaningful, sustainable careers.
Locations
Milwaukee Public Schools
Detroit, WI 48227