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As a child, Queen Alexis was drawn to the idea of being an educator. Inspired by a teacher who instilled in her a profound sense of belonging and confidence, Queen decided early on that she wanted to create the same transformative impact for others in her community and beyond. By 2013, she turned that vision into a reality by founding Queen’s Academy of the Arts, a performing arts dedicated to empowering children through creative expression.
Fast forward to 2024, Queen received the prestigious Best Youthpreneur Black Excellence Award from the Black Business Association of British Columbia (BBABC). This award, which awards an entrepreneur under the age of 29 whom has taken the reigns of entreprenurship and is running an amazing business, celebrates Queen’s incredible journey as a trailblazing entrepreneur. And the most exciting thing of all? She has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
As a black, LGBTQ, neurodivergent, and disabled woman, Queen’s lived experiences shape her commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where all children feel valued and supported. As a passionate advocate for education, resilience, and representation, Queen writes about balancing her academic journey with her roles as an educator and entrepreneur to make arts education accessible to all. Read more below.

Congratulations, Queen! This must be such an exciting time for you. What does receiving this incredible award mean to you personally and professionally?
Receiving the Best Youthpreneur Black Excellence Award at the Black Excellence Awards 2024 from the Black Business Association of BC is a deeply meaningful milestone for me. This recognition symbolizes not only my dedication to Queen’s Academy of The Arts but also a celebration of my journey as a young, black entrepreneur working to break down barriers and create opportunities to access the transformative power of arts education. It is a testament to my commitment to providing a platform where children—regardless of their background or financial means—can find empowerment, self-expression, and a sense of belonging.
This award also highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in business, particularly in fields that have historically excluded marginalized voices. By celebrating my success, the award acknowledges the broader movement towards equity in education and entrepreneurship, and it motivates me to continue championing diverse voices, especially within the arts and education.
Where does the passion and drive for being an educator come from?
As a black, LGBTQ, neurodivergent, and disabled woman, my lived experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective on education, my drive to become an educator, and my commitment to fostering inclusive environments. I believe that every child deserves to feel valued, heard, and supported in their learning journey. In today’s world, creating safe spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive is essential.
When I was a child, I was drawn to the idea of becoming an educator—a passion rooted in my deep desire for connection and a sense of belonging. I was raised by a single mother and moved around frequently, changing schools often. Growing up, I often felt out of place and struggled to fit in. Especially being the only black kid in school and the one who asked endless questions and interrupted a lot. This was particularly true during sixth grade when bullying and isolation left me feeling out of place.
Everything changed in seventh grade when I transferred to a new school and met Mr. Culbert, a teacher who celebrated me, and made me feel heard and valued. Mr. Culbert’s willingness to go above and beyond to support me, completely transformed my life. I went from hating school and getting poor grades to thriving academically and socially with a strong group of friends. I hope someday to be the kind of teacher and mentor that Mr. Culbert was for me—someone who transforms a child’s world by showing up every day and believing in them


Can you briefly take us back in time to the beginnings of Queen’s Academy of The Arts?
In 2013, I founded Queen’s Academy of The Arts with a vision to create a community where children have access to a performing arts education, where diverse voices are celebrated, and children feel valued and empowered to express themselves. This was more than just a professional endeavor—it was a personal commitment to create the opportunities and sense of connection I had once longed for. Growing up I had felt the sting of wanting to participate in the after-school music programs my friends enjoyed but knowing it wasn’t financially possible for my family. These early experiences shaped my understanding of how important access and opportunity is. I knew firsthand how a lack of resources could limit a child’s ability to explore their potential, and I didn’t want other children to feel that same sense of exclusion.
As a performing arts instructor, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 800 children, to promote confidence and teamwork through affordable musical theatre programs. This work has not only sharpened my leadership skills but has also deepened my desire to support neurodivergent children, a mission that resonates deeply with me as someone who is neurodivergent myself.
As I reflect on my journey so far, I realize that the most important lesson I’ve learned is that education isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about nurturing the whole child. My time as a performing arts instructor has shown me how creative expression can transform a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. There’s something incredibly powerful about watching a child find their voice through music, theatre, or dance. It’s a reminder that when we give children the space to express themselves, we’re not just teaching them new skills—we’re helping them believe in themselves.


How have you managed business and academics? Your plate must be so full!
My work at Queen’s Academy of The Arts has deepened my passion for education and strengthened my belief that learning should be a holistic experience. It’s not just about academic lessons; it’s about creating an environment where kids feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow. This belief is also reflected in my academic journey. With a diploma in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies almost completed, I’m gaining a broad perspective that will help me connect with students in meaningful ways. I’m also working toward a Teaching Degree at SFU, which is equipping me with the knowledge and skills I need to be an even better educator. I’ve come to appreciate how every field of study I engage with—whether it’s arts, social sciences, or education—adds something valuable to my approach to teaching.
One thing I’ve come to realize is that I am, and always will be, a lifelong learner. If I’m not in university, I’m learning from my students. And if I’m not teaching or learning from my students, I’m learning how to run a business. As an entrepreneur, I’ve had to quickly adapt to the complexities of managing an academy—everything from curriculum development to business operations.
“I am, and always will be, a lifelong learner.”
Balancing a full-time academic load with building Queen’s Academy over the past six years has been an exercise in time management and resilience. Every day is different. In the mornings, I’m a student, attending classes, working on assignments. By the afternoon and evening, I switch into my “teacher” hat, providing musical theatre after-school programs. By night, I step into my “entrepreneur” role, managing all the behind-the-scenes work—organizing workshops, handling registrations, and operations. After all that, if there’s any time left in the day, I unwind with a TV show before I do it all over again!

“In 2013, I founded Queen’s Academy of The Arts with a vision to create a community where children have access to a performing arts education, where diverse voices are celebrated, and children feel valued and empowered to express themselves.”
Have you learned any lessons along the way? Or, do you have any advice to share?
The discipline I’ve developed through this balancing act has been invaluable. I’ve learned how to juggle multiple responsibilities, switch gears quickly, and remain flexible when things don’t go according to plan. More than anything, though, I’ve learned the importance of resilience. As an entrepreneur and educator, there will always be challenges—whether it’s navigating the demands of school, managing the academy, or simply finding time for myself. But each challenge has made me more passionate about supporting other young people who are trying to achieve their dreams.
To aspiring business owners, my advice is simple: believe in your vision, seek support from your community, and stay resilient. Challenges are to be expected, and every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Like one of my famous quotes says, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” With hard work, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, you have the power to make an impact in ways you may never have imagined.
Thanks for sharing, Queen! See our Luminaries here.
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