#197- Turn Your Foundation Into A Business with Sharon Alexander

Sharon Alexander serves as the CEO of Unicorn Children's Foundation in Boca Raton, Fla. It is a one of a kind organization that changes the lives of people living with developmental differences who are disconnected, isolated, and need support. She joined Unicorn in March 2006 as Director of Programs and was promoted one year later to CEO.

Since then, Alexander has overseen its longterm and short term strategies and goals, developed new programs, and devised financial plans in cooperation with the Board of Directors and staff. In 2015, she founded and continues to lead the Special Needs Advisory Coalition of Palm Beach County, a collective impact project comprised of more than 600 individuals representing more than 160 organizations who are collaborating to create a more inclusive and supportive community.

Alexander presently serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civic Engagement, which is building tactical alliances on societal issues to achieve impactful, sustainable results. In addition, she serves on the state-level Board of Directors of the Florida Association for People Supporting Employment First (FL-APSE), the School Board of Unicorn Village Academy, and executive steering committee of Birth to 22: United For A Better Future.

Prior to joining Unicorn Children's Foundation, Alexander was the Director of Behavioral Services at Children's Center for Development & Behavior and a therapist for Behavior Therapy Group and Children's Psychology Associates. She taught psychology courses at Florida International University (FIU) from 1996-2000 and conducted research at FIU, University of Miami, and University of Alabama from 1991-1996.

Alexander has been interviewed by WLRN, WPEC, WPTV, WFLX, WPLG, NBC6, WPBF, Authority Magazine, and Club + Resort Business and has written opinion pieces published by South Florida Sun Sentinel and Orlando Medical News. She is available to be interviewed on topics including child development, educating people with developmental differences, employing people with developmental differences, and non-profit leadership.

Alexander received a Master of Health Science in Child Development from Nova Southeastern University and B.A. in Psychology from FIU. She also completed courses in the Doctoral Program in Life-Span Development Psychology at FIU.

In 2017, Alexander was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Nova Southeastern University. She also received the United Way of Palm Beach County Simply the Best Special Needs Succeed Award for 2017-2018.

Alexander is the mother of one 26-year-old son who is highly gifted and was diagnosed with ADHD in fourth grade, making her mission to improve the lives of people with developmental differences not only professional, but also personal.