Being both an educator and filmmaker, Sabrina Alexander is a creative who can’t help but use her film projects as a tool to educate and be a blessing to the lives of others. Nicknamed “Young Hollywood” as a child, her knack for storytelling and performance, as well as her natural compassion for others, has always been a recurring theme in the story of her life.
A graduate of Hyde Park Academy High School, Alexander went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Film Production and Screenwriting as well as a Master’s in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management from Columbia College Chicago. In pursuit of her career in education, the south side native continued her education to also acquire a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University, as well as an additional Master’s in Literacy/Reading Comprehension and Administration from Chicago State University. As an ABD Doctoral Scholar in Educational Leadership, she has dedicated her life to the philosophy of the “Change Agent” as she believes teaching is a work of the heart, and the goal is to change lives academically and socially.
Her latest creative work is a children’s musical story entitled Phoenix Rise. Described as a narrative that serves as a blueprint for social-emotional healing, the story follows a young girl who transforms ostracization into a platform for leading with love. Drawing on the lyrical depth of her songwriting aspirations, Alexander takes readers on a journey through the sting of rejection, the path of redemption, and the ultimate power to rise again through adversity.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the distinguished filmmaker and two-time National Board Certified Teacher to learn more about her works and passion to teach, create, heal, and inspire.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Sabrina Alexander?
Sabrina Alexander: I am a visionary of life with a deep love for love, education, creativity, entrepreneurship, and using entertainment to empower others.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Caring. Creative. Dedicated.
Do you remember the first film you fell in love with that made you want to be a filmmaker?
I’ve always loved film. I’ve always been a fan of the art of filmmaking. The first film to have a profound impact on me, which I instantly fell in love with and still love to this day, is Love Jones by Theodore Witcher. A fellow filmmaker from Columbia College Chicago. I knew that world in the movie. When you see people and places and feelings that you personally know on screen, it especially moves you.
Please tell us about your last project, the musical story, Phoenix Rise?
Phoenix Rise is a digital music story (book) of rejection to redemption to rising again. To rise means leaving other people’s opinions behind and focusing on the gifts God gave you. I always wanted to write a children’s book. Phoenix Rise has been in my head since I started teaching. I have always taught social emotional learning as part of my teaching and had to redirect students on bullying, peer pressure, self-harm, domestic violence, and suicide. I dealt with my own level of being treated indifferently by people who did not trust that I was genuine, so I knew what that felt like. After taking in encouraging words from my diverse group of mentors, I started to lay it out, and the words just flowed, and the song lifted from my heart. I am actually now in awe of how what is now Phoenix Rise came to be and how it seemed to jump from my spirit to bless others.
What do you want people to take away from Phoenix Rise?
The message to RISE is not just to rise; it is a call to action for both youth and adults to become proactive like a Phoenix, recognize its strength, and fly on a vibration so high that you become untouchable to the noise of the world and the limitations of man as you carry out your life’s purpose.
What does being a “change agent” mean to you?
In the education system, a change agent sees a gap and creates resources to build a bridge towards academic and/or social-emotional achievement. So, in many ways, a change agent to me is like an earth angel. Your life is a ministry, and your heart is not about what you get from others but what you give others. You’re a difference maker even when you’re not trying because your nature is to give and effect change.
Who inspires you?
I’m often inspired by people I encounter in life. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a 76-year-old woman who was introduced to me by her son. She was a Sunday school teacher, and I, being a teacher, so that particular exchange between us was both divine and powerful. We had a synchronicity of our shared worlds. She sang a song that truly soothed my soul and gave me another dose of reassurance that I am on the right path and to hold onto faith.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Walk in love, but know that it is a hard walk because people often mistake kindness for weakness.
Best advice you can give to aspiring educators?
Teaching is a work of art. I do not see my students as young people that I teach. Instead, I see them as God’s young people, and if they are under my instruction, then it is my job to educate, inspire, and show them the greatness they have inside.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but to those that endureth until the end.” – Ecclesiastes 9:11
What’s next for Sabrina Alexander?
I’m working on expanding Phoenix Rise into a physical book in the near future. I also plan to travel the world and take in more stories to tell. I will pray, ask for provision, and lead with doing things God’s way. As my mentor recently reminded me, to affirm ‘I am the best storyteller ever through song, educational curriculum, and film, and people will be transformed through the power of my words.’
For more information on Sabrina Alexander and Phoenix Rise, please connect with her across social media at @starpowersabrina
