Disclaimer: Alexis Gordon is about to upstage your morning or evening. Dive deep into this Stratford actress’ thoughts on humility, sponges, and the ukelele. Meet her in person at She Talks on May 1!
1. What’s your go-to when you need inspiration or motivation (quote, activity, et cetera)
I find that grounding myself in activities I enjoy helps me the most. Reading a book that has nothing to do with the play I’m working on, going for a run at the gym helps clear my head, playing my ukulele or listening to music. Then I’m able to start back fresh and grounded.
2. What’s your personal or professional motto?
Stay hungry, stay humble.
3. What does the world need more of? Less of?
More kindness, and patience. More listening, and learning. Less greed, and doubt. Less ignorance, and narcissism.
4. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Be a sponge. Soak up as much as you can and keep learning. Always stay interested and curious, or move on to something else that ignites passion in you.
5. Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned about leadership.
Our director for Guys and Dolls at The Stratford Festival, Donna Feore, is a human masterclass in leadership. She knows exactly how to assemble motivate a company of players, musicians, crew and team, bring them together, and make them truly want to come to work – and work hard – every day. By being an amazing director, and also organized, excited about the work, respectful of everyone’s time, encouraging progress, and being a goof sometimes too. Donna keeps her work environment safe and open, and I believe that gets the best results. She is inspiring to witness, and to be a part of that room is an honour. I try and leave each day, holding onto the kindness, hard work and warmth I witnessed from her, as tools for myself to build on.
6. Name a woman (past or present) whom you think is a great role model for girls.
My mom, Sharon raised me to be strong and independent. I grew up surrounded by books to open my imagination and world view, the chance to try at whatever activity I wanted, and the belief that I could do whatever I wanted to do, so long as I worked hard for it. Her insistence on pushing past all of society’s barriers for me as a woman of colour, is the reason I am where I am today.
Alexis is a professional actress from London, Ontario. A graduate of the BFA Acting program at The University of Windsor, she is currently in her third season at the Stratford Festival, starring as Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls. Alexis is the inaugural female winner of both the Amy Wallis Memorial Gurthrie Award (Stratford Festival), and Syd and Shirley Banks Prize for Emerging Artists (Acting Up Stage Theatre).
News Release
CAMBRIDGE, ON – YWCA Cambridge is thrilled to announce that Soroptimist International of Cambridge has joined Greentec as a matching partner for their fundraising campaign to support the opening of a new shelter for women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. This partnership is vital to reaching the campaign goal of $125,000, which will cover the costs of fully furnishing and outfitting the shelter located in the lower level of Grace Bible Church, downtown Galt.
Local businesses have shown exceptional support for this initiative, with Greentec leading the way by matching every donation dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Their generosity inspired Soroptimist International of Cambridge to step forward with an additional $10,000 in matching donations.
“We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the Cambridge and broader community,” said Kim Decker, CEO of YWCA Cambridge. “Having Soroptimist join Greentec as a matching partner is an incredible testament to how businesses and organizations are coming together to ensure that women and gender-diverse individuals in our community have a safe space to call home while they worked towards meeting their housing needs. Soroptimist’s commitment to this cause helps us bring this essential shelter to life, and we are thankful for their leadership and compassion.”
Soroptimist Club President Joni Gosselin spoke about the long-standing relationship between the organization and YWCA Cambridge, noting, “Soroptimist International of Cambridge has been in partnership with YWCA for many, many years. Our mission, to better the lives of women and gender-diverse individuals, starts here. Providing a safe roof over one’s head, a warm bed, a nourishing meal, and people who care is what we strive for. Our donation will help meet the basic needs of community members who have been living without them. People are often unaware of how many women are without homes, and we thank YWCA for their vision in making this essential dream a reality.”
Once open, YWCA Cambridge’s shelter will be the only one dedicated specifically to women and gender-diverse individuals in the region. The 20-bed shelter will operate 24/7, offering on-site services that address both mental and physical health needs, along with other therapeutic and culturally responsive services. This shelter aims to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the community.
The campaign will continue until the end of the year. To donate and support the shelter initiative, please visit www.ywcacambridge.ca.
For more information, contact Roz Gunn, Director of Communications and Advocacy at YWCA Cambridge, via email at r.gunn@ywcacambridge.ca.
About Soroptimist International of Cambridge:
Soroptimist believes in the power of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals to shape their own destinies when given the right support. Through their work in 120 countries, Soroptimists create opportunities for women and girls to rise above challenges and transform their lives.
About YWCA Cambridge:
For 75 years, YWCA Cambridge has been a leader in providing responsive programming and services that meet the evolving needs of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. As a member of YWCA Canada, YWCA Cambridge is part of the country’s oldest and largest multi-service women’s organization.
