Teaching and Research Assistant for Psychology, Duke University; Durham, NC

Child: Brennan, 2 ♦ Husband: Thomas Higgins

Why We Love Her Searching for work/life balance when you’re working, going to graduate school and raising a family is difficult enough for yourself, never mind anyone else. But that didn’t stop Alexis from trying—she’s made it her mission to help other graduate students learn how to care for their families. When Alexis discovered there was no parental leave policy for grad students at her school, she researched policies around the country and drafted a program; she then networked to get it passed. Now in pursuit of her second PHD while also volunteering at her local VA hospital, she knows how tricky it can be to find quality time with your family. Thanks to her, other grad students will have an easier time doing just that.

Q: What’s your best advice for a new mom returning to work? A: Ask for what you need. If there is something that would be helpful to you (lactation room, a formal policy protecting time away from the office), it is probably something that other women would want as well. It may just be the case that no one has thought of the idea yet or the possibility that it could be made into policy. Have the courage to turn your vision into a reality, while also taking care of yourself and your needs.

Q: What’s your best tip for keeping your home life running smoothly? Plan ahead. I have found that if I don’t have a clear idea of what I would like to get done, then time slips away. When you are at work, be at work and let your passion for that come through. When you are at home, be at home and let that passion shine through too.  

Q: What does balance mean to you?   A: The idea that we are juggling glass balls and rubber balls (from a 1996 speech given by Brian G. Dyson, then President and CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises) has always been meaningful to me. The appeal of this metaphor, for me, is twofold. First, the metaphor forces you to consider what the glass and rubber balls in your life are. Second, the metaphor allows you to understand that living a life of purpose involves keeping the glass balls in the air, and allowing the rubber balls to bounce, if needed. Balance means living in a way that reflects your commitments to self, to family, to work, and knowing when you have a little wiggle-room with each. I think it is important to know where you find your joy in life, and then to try to get it when and where you can.