Couples who lead: Locals use their resources to influence community change

Much ado has been made about couples like George and Amal Clooney. Besides being attractive, they are each accomplished professionals and are committed to using their money and celebrity to shine a light on causes that matter.

Hollywood has nothing on us in this area.

Pensacola has its share of powerful pairs who are busy using their resources to add value to the community.

Alcuin Alexander and Tia Robbins are married to men who have earned a certain level of recognition for their jobs in law enforcement and professional sports, respectively, yet these women are powerhouses in their own right.

They are educated, family-oriented and ambitious. They do not live in their husband's shadow. Each enjoys a certain amount of autonomy but also enjoys teaming with their mates to work in the community.

Here, they allow Bella readers a peek into their lives.

ALCUIN AND DAVID ALEXANDER:

David Alexander, III, made history by becoming the first African-American Assistant Chief of Pensacola Police Department (PPD).

By his side is a strong and loving woman, Alcuin Alexander, who works as a Utilization Review Assistant at McKesson Corp.

These two are truly down for one another, as evidenced by their 29 years of marriage and two children, Amber and David, IV.

Their first meeting? "I was getting out of an abusive marriage. He was the responding officer to a 911 call. We became friends and married," Alcuin says.

Last August, a mixture of love, joy and pride showed on their faces as Alcuin pinned David at the ceremony for his promotion to Assistant Chief.

When asked to describe his wife, David responds, "Industrious, talented and uncomplicated."

It must be her industrious side that has motivated her to take on her recent academic pursuit. Alcuin is pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration and Supervision with the concentration in Health Care Management.

Both Alexanders agree that education is key to one's future.

"It is the first step out of poverty and is a viable part of the changing of mind-sets," says David.

Alcuin adds: "Education opens doors for greater opportunities."

Family life for the Alexanders has included their share of challenges.

"In the beginning, it was tough," Alcuin says. "The hours David worked put a strain on the family. He missed out on a lot of the family activities and special events. As he excelled, his schedule became more family-friendly."

Sacrificing for the job has not just fallen on the shoulders of David, though. He admits that Alcuin has handled the whole household at times.

"When I attended the FBI National Academy in 2003, I was gone for 11 weeks. She stepped up, and the family never skipped a beat."

For a couple in the public eye, Alcuin acknowledges that there are moments when she does not want to share David with the community, but she does so without regret.

"I do not have to compete with the community for my husband," says Alcuin. "I know that people recognize me because of him, but it's been that way since we married."

The key to keeping their marriage strong in the face of a challenging, high profile job is simple: "Be patient and trust," says Alcuin, "even when you don't understand."

The couple's faith in God plays a key role in their marriage as well.

"The main ingredients that are must-haves include faith, love, trust, and mutual respect," David says.

But faith is the key, says Alcuin.

"Faith in God is the glue that binds,"

David adds: "Without Jesus Christ in my life, I'm nothing."

With a united front, the Alexanders have tackled separation, a demanding job, and still managed to raise two children together, Amber and David IV.

"One has to demonstrate the behavior expected from them," David says of the secret to raising a happy, healthy child.

While David agrees that it takes a 'village' to raise a child, he cautions, "It's imperative that we know who's in the village and what their motives are."

Since they agree that education is key, what about our public schools?

"The public school system provides an opportunity for all students to get an adequate education, but there are needed improvements," says David, adding that charter schools "add diversity to the educational system."

Despite the demands of his career, David still finds time to work with numerous organizations in the community, including 100 Black Men, Florida Youth Challenge Academy, and J.H.T. Safe Haven Development Center, Northwest Florida Congregations in Action, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pensacola North Rotary Club.

He and Alcuin agree that their time is well-invested in community improvement.

"I usually find it easy to work with groups that address the social and economic issues of children and families," says David.

Alcuin adds: "I have also enjoyed getting involved with some of the community activities he has a passion for. We recently took a group of youth from the community to Tampa Busch Gardens."

The time devoted to the community is important to the Alexanders.

"I find giving back very rewarding. It allows me to be a living proof of God's presence in our community," says David.

"I believe the community as a whole needs to be honest, transparent, and trustworthy when seeking to improve the overall conditions for the citizens of the community."

As he moves forward in his life as a father, a husband, a police officer, and a community servant, one childhood lesson has stayed with him.

"Failing to pursue a dream is time wasted and an opportunity lost," David says.

"Law enforcement was the only career I pursued. I was offered an opportunity to go to law school,'' David says. "Nothing appealed to me like being a police officer did. As I ascended the ranks, it became apparent that this was my calling."

Yet he did not transfer his calling onto his children.

"I allowed them to dream for themselves and pursue their own dreams," he says

TIA AND FRED ROBBINS:

Tia and Fred did not know that a chance introduction by mutual friends in 2001 would lead to over 13 blissful years together.

After 12 years in the NFL (including a Super Bowl win), Fred has retired but not slowed down. Tia is easily keeping pace.

By using their skills and knowledge, the two have founded a non-profit organization called Mr. Robbins' Neighborhood. Three years ago, Tia also started a for-profit business called Bombshell Moms, Inc.

Still, at the end of the day, the priority is each other and family. When asked to describe his wife of six years, Fred says Tia is "loving, nurturing and supportive."

Tia attended Tuskegee University and pursued a career in the music industry, working in marketing and public relations in both Minnesota and New York City.

But once she had her first child, she was inspired to start Bombshell Moms.

"Being a new mom and struggling with my post-baby body, I found it challenging to fit exercise into my daily routine. I found that other moms had the same challenges," she says.

Her goals are simple: To create a fitness and wellness program that caters to women, moms, and their children, one that will "last a lifetime."

As a mom with a dream that has become her business reality, how does she juggle it all?

The key is balance.

"Finding a balance can still be a challenge for me. My family comes first. I try to set aside two hours a day for work-related projects and other commitments. My children go to school part-time, but when they are home, I work during their naps. I'm a night owl. If I don't complete a task during the day, I stay up late to get it done," Tia says.

Like the Alexanders, faith plays a key role in Fred and Tia's marriage and family life.

"Faith plays a huge part in my daily life," she says. "We are members of Zion Hope Primitive Baptist Church and I read daily devotionals every morning. ... I like to share what I have read with my husband, family and friends."

Facing the challenges of being a business-mom requires more than faith, though. It requires hard work and the support of her husband, Fred.

"Without his love and support, I would not be able to move forward with my business ideas and have the luxury of being 'stay-at-home working mom,'" Tia says.

Not only does her family and business benefit from her ''at-home-working-mom'' status, Tia believes, "God has blessed my husband and I so that we can give back.''

"Whether it's a monetary donation to support the community, volunteering or just simply sharing what we know and have learned with others to give hope and encouragement,'' Tia says.

She is involved with Jack and Jill of America, Impact 100, Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and American Heart Association, and believes wholeheartedly, "We can all make a contribution ... and make a difference."

One area Tia and Fred agree on is in the encouragement of youth athletes.

Fred graduated from Tate High School and earned a degree in sociology from Wake Forest University.

"I know how important education is to the future of any athlete,'' Fred says. "Too many young athletes and their parents do not acknowledge the highly improbable odds of becoming a professional athlete and become dismissive of education and the value of exploring other career paths."

It was this idea that became the vision for Mr. Robbins' Neighborhood.

"The mission is to educate student athletes on career paths that intersect with sports but take place off the field or court. The odds of becoming a professional athlete are very slim. Therefore, it is important to learn about alternative career-paths," says Fred.

Has being a celebrity been a help or a hindrance when proposing or executing his plans?

"I am proud to say that my wife and I have approached this like business people," Fred says.

"We started the program with our own money and a lot of our own time and sweat equity. It was important to us that ultimately people would support our work because of the content, not because I played in the NFL. It was great to see the young men in the program as excited to be around the executives we flew in as they were to be around the ball players," he says.

"We were fortunate to hold the pilot at Andrews Institute and received tremendous support from their staff, from UWF and from people who have excelled in their fields from around the country. We had a top executive from JP Morgan, the former head of player development form the NFL, a professor from Oregon whose focus is on Sports Conflict, etc. The reaction from longtime philanthropists in our community, to speakers, to students to their families were all incredible," Fred says.

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