Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Victoria Darko.
Hi Alexis Victoria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I always pictured myself being a little businesswoman because I loved to delegate and get things done. After joining Business Professionals of America in High school, I decided to attend the Illustrious Hampton University to study in the well-known MBA Program which led me to meet one of my now mentors, but then Economics and Entrepreneurship Professors, Dr. Oliver Jones – who I began to study with and travel to conferences, which brought me to the 2018 NASA ILI Pitch Competition where I placed 4th for my presentation on revolutionary battery use. After this, I began a tech company which is now paused in a Research and Development stage and I am a part of a partnership with our umbrella company Source Energy, The Virginia Tech Research Center and NASA – pulling off a STEM to Commercialization Program which includes taking Start-Up companies from idea to inception where we have birthed 22 companies that are now in the making. I am a young Entrepreneur with a lot to learn but a heart that is ready for the journey. In addition to this, this September I just launched my very first Mental Health Wellness Movement called Soul Care in addition to beginning my career in fashion as a model! Whew, this is the result of a dreamer deciding if God has given you multiple gifts – do your best to use them all in an orderly way that fits and I’ve been blessed to have the right people always enter my path and be a part of this ever-growing journey that is only just beginning.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There is a message that one of my spiritual advisors preached and it is called “The Bumpy Road to Better” so in short, no. Being in the MBA Program, I was surrounded by many cookie-cutter individuals who liked things to be done in one way. My nature since a kid was always, “if you see a crowd of people running in one way, run the opposite!” With this kind of mind, I often felt alienated when I decided to take Entrepreneurship seriously because it led to more quiet time than not and for any young adult, to see a vision but not yet know how it will come to pass can always be a bit frustrating. Then came the Technology side of things, which came with often feeling like the person that knew the least in the room, but it never stopped me from putting in hours of research on the back end and now yielding myself to the patience required when creating something the world has never seen before.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve chosen to discuss my Mental Health Wellness Movement in this bit. Soul Care was birthed in 2020 when the world was going up in flames, I realized going through school, extra activities, yearly travels; that I hadn’t sat down with myself.. well ever, and I desperately needed to. I discovered the power of going on the journey of inner healing and it changed my mindset, saved me from suicidal thoughts, and increased my ability to do business and create. So what began as 5-minute meditation audio clips has now birthed into a video podcast that will take viewers on a journey of dissecting topics, unpacking our minds, and going on this journey of discovering what it means to be whole. I specialize in Spirituality, Relationships, and Communication. I am most known for being positive and always having something good to say in a world that is often to dark and gloomy with the news, oftentimes rightfully so. I am most proud of simply still being here and being willing to go through life with a perspective that anything is possible. What sets me apart may be my array of talents – as I write like a poet but can walk into a board room and handle things like Jeff Bezos.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Ha! Growing up, I was what everyone would call “popular,” when little did most (even maybe me) not know that I am now an introvert at heart. Growing up, I was very fun, bubbly, and always down for a party.. well that bit hasn’t changed. I’ve always loved nature and my favorite place to be was at the beach or just by a body of water. My favorite season was and still is the summertime because I am very laid back and am completely content with a bowl of fruit and a good book. I am the youngest of three, but as a little girl, I always felt like the underdog or the dark horse of the family because I was a bit rebellious and at the same time the one that you could come to if you needed someone to listen to you cry. I grew up a very involved friend and remember always giving my friends advice on life, what to do/wear. My interests seem to be somewhat the same now and growing up, I love learning in calm and chill environments and music has always been a love of mine. I attended Delaware Military Academy High school and played softball for one year; after spending that year running the bases for almost all of my teammates, I was honored to be a part of the very first track team the school ever had which gave me an outlet to really press into my love for athletics. I got good really fast and ran at the Penn Relays within my first few seasons.
No matter what life brings your way, all challenges are there to instill strategy and perseverance into you. With such an amazing family around me, I’ve been very blessed to have a great foundation, but even to those who may feel alone; keep dreaming and seeking the vision for your life. With patience and endurance, you will see all of your dreams come true.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: GoddessAlexisV
- Twitter: GoddessAlexisV
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5rUrqhoM8I
- Other: https://spinoff.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-01/Spinoff.2022.pdf
Image Credits
New York Setting Cover Photo – Henry Fougere B&W, Nike, and Green Top Photo – Natalie Jane The rest are personal images – Alexis Darko
