Chandra Alexandre
2025 Influential Women Awards winner
Leading by example is one of the many traits that makes Chandra Alexandre, CEO of Novato-based Community Action Marin (CAM), so successful.
“My commitment professionally is to run a business that gets results, always putting mission to help people and change lives first,” Alexandre said. “It's a powerful calling rooted in my passion for social justice and doing the work of personal transformation in service to it as an imperative.”
She believes there is always something more to learn. And this comes from a person who has 30 years of experience, an MBA and a doctorate. Alexandre recently became a certified conflict mediator and earned a professional designation for her poverty fighting work as the organization’s first certified community action professional.
While CAM, which is the largest nonprofit social services provider in Marin County, has existed for 60 years, this is the first time it has had a chief executive officer. Alexandre came on board seven years ago.
In that time she has been influential in working across generations, within the organization, and with other agencies in the county and the government, to make what she calls “systemic shifts” that will have a lasting effect.
Change is coming about internally and externally.
“This year, I led our purchase of a campus to support stronger direct services and community connections,” Alexandre said. “We plan to build out on-site child care for community members not eligible for free or state subsidized help, and look forward to getting teachers, county workers, and others who need below market rate support for child care a great early education option.”
“No” is not a word she likes to hear or accept. She is challenged to get to “yes” with hard work, innovation, listening and collaboration.
“Her efforts have grown the agency's budget to $32 million and helped to ignite anti-poverty movement building strategies and strengthen partnerships across public and private sectors in support of our community,” Jennifer Radics-Johnson, chief development officer at CAM, said.
Alexandre says one way to achieve success is having healthy boundaries; something she implores others to embrace as well.
“Chandra’s leadership style goes beyond just managing people; she inspires, motivates, and empowers others to reach their full potential,” Radics-Johnson said. “Through her vision, guidance, and support, she fosters growth in her team, helping individuals build confidence and develop professionally.”