EMEL ALEXANDER, 32
President and CEO,
Urban Restoration Enhancement Corp.
Emel Alexander’s accomplishments can all be summed up in one simple phrase: making a difference in the lives of others. The quest began just after high school: He has mentored high-risk youth, developed after-school programs, worked with public housing residents to help them achieve self-sufficiency, advocated for better employee wages and benefits, worked to improve the condition of urban public schools and engaged in post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding.
Inspiring book: Good to Great
This book by Jim Collins is one that I often refer back to. It is a classic business book, but I think the same principles apply for building great organizations in the public sector.
Major professional accomplishments: I am the president and CEO of Urban Restoration Enhancement Corporation, a nonprofit that works to revitalize underserved neighborhoods through affordable housing, human development and community engagement. Our current projects include the redevelopment of the Old Hollywood Elementary School site into a single family housing development for low-income homebuyers. We are also partnering with LSU’s Cain Center to bring STEAM learning to several underperforming schools in the area.
Prior to UREC, I served as a Policy and Research Analyst with the 21st Century School Fund in Washington, D.C. In this role, I assisted in developing strategies to finance the construction of urban public school facilities. In addition, I have served in various capacities with the Housing Authority of New Orleans, the American Federation of State and Municipal Employees Labor Union and the Corporation for National Service. I have a master’s degree in Public Administration from The American University School of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies and Public Policy from Dillard University.
Volunteer and community involvement: Member, Louisiana’s State Housing and Transportation Planning and Coordinating Commission; board member, Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless; Research Team, The Baton Rouge Choice Neighborhood Initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
PROFESSIONAL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Lawyer
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I worked for my uncle setting up tents and selling concessions before Southern University Football games. The experience taught me the importance of having a good work ethic and cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset.
What is your favorite place for a business lunch in Baton Rouge? I prefer breakfast meetings. The Hilton Garden Inn on Harding Boulevard is a great location.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being a husband and a father.
The old saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Specifically, what are you “being” to make Baton Rouge better? As President and CEO of one of the oldest community development organizations in Baton Rouge, I have to be a voice and advocate for the revitalization of distressed neighborhoods across our City. Everyday I am working to see greater public investment and more sustainable community development in these areas.
What ritual do you do to get pumped up before a big meeting, presentation or pitch? I like to take a few minutes alone to gather my thoughts.
What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far? Every time our team hands over the keys to a new homeowner, I am reminded of how much our work means to individuals and families. It’s rewarding.
What was your professional aha moment? I realize that programs don’t always go far enough towards ending economic and social disparities. We still have to work towards changes to systems, public policy and our mindsets regarding these issues.
What does your job entail that would shock customers or clients if they knew about it? Many clients are surprised to learn the depth of our affordable housing work. Our team provides both homeownership and rental opportunities.
TECHNOLOGY
Mac or PC? Both
What’s your preferred mode of communication: text or phone call? Text
What app gets you through the day? A tie between Ever Note and Pandora
Are you quick to adapt to new tech, or did you hang on to that flip phone way after it became obsolete? I kept my flip phone much longer than I should have.
PERSONALITY
Is the glass half empty or half full? What’s in the glass? The ghlass is half full. The glass is full optimism
If you could build a statue downtown, who or what would it represent? Baton Rouge is so much different than the city I grow up in. The statue would be something that represents our progress.
What’s your motto? Know thyself.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? My great-grandfather. He was good man to his family and had a good name in his community.
What trend do you really wish would come back? Lower gas prices.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why? I wouldn’t want to stay the same age forever. Life is about growth.
What is your greatest regret? Any time I’ve ever wasted worrying about something. In most cases, the worst outcome never even happened.
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why? I wish I could play an instrument well. Maybe the piano or the horns. Don’t ask me why.
What is your most treasured possession? My journals. I started keeping a journal during my first semester of college. They would be hard to replace.
If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live and why? Cape Town, South Africa. It’s a beautiful city with a wonderful culture.
What do you most value in your friends? I appreciate friends who challenge me to be a better person and vice-versa.
What do you miss most about the ’90s? I miss going to see a good movie and picking up the soundtrack too. The 90’s had the best motion picture soundtracks.
If you had to be a teacher of something, what would you teach? History
Who would play you in a movie? I have an identical twin brother. He would be a good fit.
What makes you laugh every time you think about it? My 5-month-old son does this muffled chuckle whenever he gets excited. I smile every time I think about it.
LOOKING AHEAD
What’s the next challenge you have planned? Exploring how entrepreneurship can also help to promote and foster the public good.
What would be your advice for future Forty Under 40 honorees? Take advantage of opportunities for professional development and continued learning. Also, seek out a mentor or invest in an executive coach.
Why have you chosen to make your home in the Capital Region? Baton Rouge is home for me. I was born here and want to be apart of making it a better place.
Have you peaked, or do you think you’ll still have it when we launch our hypothetical “Forty Over 40” awards years from now? I hope to still have it.
