December Spotlight: Alexandria Harried

This month, I’m H.I.P. is shining the spotlight on a young woman whose resilience and ambition truly stands out.

In 2022, while navigating her sophomore year of college, Alexandria was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, a moment that could’ve thrown her off course.  Every six months, she faced MRI appointments, tight spaces, and the anxiety of waiting for results she couldn’t predict. Instead of letting fear stop her, she used the experience as fuel. Through every uncertain moment, Alexandria kept showing up for her future.

And she didn’t just finish — she soared. Alexandria earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in only three years, graduating magna cum laude from the illustrious Harris-Stowe State University. She’s taken the LSAT and is preparing for law school next, driven by a passion to advocate for people whose voice have been silenced by society.

Alexandria’s story is a reminder to young people everywhere that strength isn’t something you magically wake up with. It’s something you grow into, especially when life hands you challenges you never asked for. As she says, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.”

Her journey is still unfolding, and this spotlight is just one chapter. But one thing is clear: Alexandria is only getting started.