RISING ICON #76: Alivia Boddie
What name do you prefer to be called?
Alivia (with an A)
What are your pronouns?
She/her
Where did you grow up?
A northwest suburb called St. Michael Albertville (STMA)
What city are you currently based in?
Minneapolis
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
I stand up tall and introduce myself with a firm handshake and eye contact. These might seem like smallI things, but they are truly what count on the first interaction. It builds a level of trust, curiosity and confidence. I touch on my vision of becoming the best at getting better and mindfully reaching my own personal excellence. Then I start by mentioning part of my mission/purpose- mindfully closing the racial wealth gap and creating prosperity for all and that I work towards this mission through my work at MEDA(Metropolitan Economic Development Association), a Minneapolis based CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) helping resilient BIPOC Entrepreneurs succeed and as a real estate agent focusing on economic empowerment and mindful prosperity. I often ask a lot of questions upon first meeting because I am a people person and I am oh so curious about someone else’s mission, purpose and passion. I’m evolving and growing everyday and part of that growth includes deep curiosity and awareness of others.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I have made many changes in my life to pathe the pursuits of my dreams and the tough experiences are what creates resilience, grit and strength. I have faced adversity and it has only been to my benefit. I used to rely on drinking after a long day or when experiencing an emotion I didn’t like. I began living life on happier terms when I stopped drinking 3 years ago. I was wearing my hair in protective styles for 15 years because I was unhappy with my real hair and ultimately, I was hiding who I really was. I grew up mixed in a mostly white suburban town where my natural hair wasn’t what other kids looked like. I now speak positive affirmations to my natural hair while braiding it before bed (any natural hair tips, please share!). I hadn’t spoken to my dad in almost a decade, but just went to visit him the other weekend because I knew the uncomfortability would help me grow and evolve even more. I was also a single mom for many formative years of my 8 year old son’s life and that helped shape the woman I am today. I live my life each day striving to be the best version of myself and I am constantly changing and evolving to meet that expectation of personal excellence.
Who do you help?
I help anyone on their journey to personal excellence. In my day-to-day work, I primarily focus on the BIPOC community. Being half Black, I have always been passionate about activism, civil rights, and economic empowerment. From a young age, I donated books to children in Africa and celebrated MLK Day as a significant event, even more important to me than my own birthday. I struggled with personal identity throughout my childhood and twenties, and have been on a quest to find my genuine, authentic self—50% of which is unapologetically African American. In 2020, the murder of George Floyd ignited a passion within me to create change in the BIPOC community. My main demographic in the non-profit work is the BIPOC community, and my real estate mission is to close the racial wealth gap, also focusing on BIPOC individuals. Ultimately, I help anyone who wants to grow and evolve.
What are you building now?
What am I building now? Personal growth is the foundation of all my current endeavors. My mission is to excel at continual improvement, ensuring I evolve as a leader while working towards a prosperous future for all. Professionally, I am building a real estate empire focused on closing the racial wealth gap and promoting generational wealth through community connections and educational opportunities. I also sit on the board of directors for Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement and focus on integrating equity into volunteerism. Additionally, I am developing a program with the local non-profit organization MEDA, called the Volunteer Accelerator Network (VAN). This initiative connects BIPOC entrepreneurs with resources, mentors, and creates educational and networking opportunities to help them scale their businesses and turn their dreams into reality.
What were you building ten years ago today?
Ten years ago, I was deeply involved in the non-profit sector. In college, I founded the American Red Cross Club on campus at UW-Stout and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in my senior year. I was discovering my life's purpose. Although I later established my own non-profit in Brooklyn Center, I couldn't sustain it due to not being in the right mental, spiritual, and emotional state. However, these challenges became stepping stones, motivating me to strive harder and consistently grow towards fulfilling my purpose.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
My partner, Eric, and I often have these discussions, so I'm well-prepared for this one! In ten years, I envision myself continuing my journey of self-improvement and being a pillar in the community as a trusted source for mindful connections. I aim to raise awareness about racial wealth inequalities and develop initiatives to help close the gap. I see myself as a successful real estate investor and business owner, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build generational wealth through real estate while ensuring the sustainability of their ventures and property ownership. On a personal level, I am committed to sparking positive, evolutionary change in the lives of those around me. I aspire to guide and inspire others to reach their highest potential and create a legacy of growth and prosperity. And, of course, spending summers in California 🌞.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
MBE’s (minority business enterprises) are outperforming MBE’a across the country. Meaning that the BIPOC Entrepreneurs in MN are doing better than the national averages. This is an important group of power players to pay attention to and more of the headquarters that are housed in MN (we also have the most enterprise headquarters located in one state) need to take notice and invest time, money and efforts to initiatives created to help them succeed.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
I believe my work matters because I am dedicated to helping others reach their full potential. I have access to the resources, ideas, connections, and opportunities that can facilitate this. My work plays a crucial role in promoting equality, economic justice, and empowerment. Everyone deserves the chance to live a prosperous life and leave a legacy, and I am committed to helping them achieve that.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I’m in the business of mentors and help connect resilient BIPOC Entrepreneurs with mentorship so I love this question! I have an amazing therapist who has mentored me through many of life’s ups and downs and he always tells me “remember how far you’ve come from where you started.” That is golden advice.
My other, most influential mentor is my partner, Eric, he gives me daily advice on remembering that I hold all the power within me and to BREATHE when I feel any big emotion or stress.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of? (could be an article, an interview, an episode, research, or something you’ve published)
I was recently featured in the People of Color Magazine based out of Minneapolis and it was a great honor to be asked to have a feature in the publication that focus on BIPOC impact makers.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I would love to be featured in Mpls St Paul magazine. I plan to create epic initiatives that will create opportunity for many.
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Jay Shetty on his On Purpose podcast, Lewis Howes on his School of Greatness podcast,, Molly Fletcher on her Game Changers podcast or Julia Lashay Israel on her Color or Money podcast. I would also love to have a conversation with Leslie Barlow, the local artist who creates portraits on race and relationships.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Arete. Which means personal excellence and is the name of the manuscript I am in the process of completing as part of my 2024 goals. It would be about the wealth money can’t buy that is even more important than the monetary concept of wealth.
What award would mean the most to win?
Any award that emphasizes mindful impact leadership.
What makes zero sense to you?
Littering. There is zero point to being a polluter of this beautiful Mother Earth.
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Wealth. I hope this term gets redefined to emphasize aspects beyond financial assets, focusing instead on personal development and growth. That represents true wealth.
What game are you changing?
The economic empowerment game. I am bringing a mindful, meditative, kind approach to building prosperity and wealth and showing the world that we need to focus more on the individuals who have the traits of an abundant leader when we think about the future. We also need to be more mindful of how we utilize our capital and focus on smart ways to build and generate wealth.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
First, VOLUNTEER. Anywhere your passionate about. If you’re passionate about helping BIPOC businesses succeed, join the Volunteer Accelerator Network at MEDA. Either as a client or a mentor. Let’s create a mastermind group of likeminded individuals wanting to succeed and reach personal excellence and prosperity. I would also love any and all opportunities to network and be further immersed in the community with like and unlike minded individuals. I am always seeking new connections and the opportunity to learn about other perspectives.
Where can we follow you online?
Please follow me on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/in/aliviaboddie
www.prosperitylink.org
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Mindfulness. By practicing mindfulness, you gain a deep awareness of yourself and those around you, fostering a leadership style that is not only abundant but also capable of evolving as you grow personally. In addition, networking. A leader isn’t afraid to enter a room and introduce oneself with confidence and curiousity.
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Alivia, for sharing your story!
LAUREL is a media relations partner for bold leadership. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped leaders build effective strategies for scale and growth specializing in key opinion leadership and go-to-market strategy for emerging brands. To follow along with the RISING ICONS series, nominate a leader or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. To accelerate your own rise, get our free guide to elevating your leadership profile, FIT(lite). RISING ICONS is made possible by grant funding from Knight Foundation.
“Wealth. I hope this term gets redefined to emphasize aspects beyond financial assets, focusing instead on personal development and growth. That represents true wealth.”
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