School: Cornell University, BS 2019; Boston University, MFA anticipated 2024

College Major: Design and Environmental Analysis; Graphic Design

Scholarship Winnings: $11,600

Scholastic Honors: Graduated from Cornell University with Honors and Distinction. Minor in Health, Hospitality and Design. Tapped for Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society. 4.0 GPA at Boston University.

Career Ambition: Expand my creative brand studio, Designs By Alexina, so that I can help more women-owned businesses find their voice and reach their dream clients; I would also like to be able to pay it forward and offer employment and mentoring opportunities to aspiring young designers.

Talent: Vocal

Social Impact Initiative: I have developed partnerships with national, regional, and state mental health organizations to share my lived experiences with anxiety and depression and encourage students to utilize mental health resources through school appearances and social media. My “Speak Out, Reach Out” Instagram program, social media posts and reels, TheFeelBetterWay.com website, and my teen mental health book, Feel Better Way, offer resources, blogs, and tools to both students and schools with a national reach.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t perform it, feel it.” This is advice I got from my vocal teacher. I think about this every time I go onstage, but I also apply it to every aspect of my life. Don’t go through the motions or try to be what someone else wants you to be; revel in the moment, be authentic, and do it for yourself, not for anyone else.