‍

Written By: Kiara Day

‍

For Alex Ebanks, the journey to becoming one of the most powerful women in Metro Atlanta began with curiosity and intention. As a student at Spelman College, she immersed herself in communications through classes at Clark Atlanta University and leadership in the public relations society. Her passion for storytelling, coupled with a deep love for the city of Atlanta, laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career in communications. Since graduating in 2012, Alex has remained a dedicated resident and advocate for the city, using her voice and platform to uplift others.

Now serving as Vice President of Communications at Fiserv, Alex has carved out a path marked by influence, innovation, and integrity. Yet, her rise has not come without challenges. In an industry often lacking diversity, she has frequently found herself as “the only” in rooms where major decisions are made. Instead of shrinking, she’s used those moments as motivation to bring others along with her. The importance of representation and community is not lost on her—and she’s made it a mission to open doors for others just as mentors once did for her.

Mentorship, in fact, has been a cornerstone of Alex’s career. Every professional opportunity she’s secured has come through the support of women leaders who recognized her talent and lifted her up. In return, she has created a mentorship ecosystem of her own—nurturing interns who have grown into thriving professionals. Her approach to mentorship is rooted in consistency, honesty, and care. She doesn’t just advise—she journeys with her mentees, guiding them through the challenges and triumphs of their careers and personal lives.

Balancing such a high-powered role with personal fulfillment requires intentional boundaries. For Alex, that means keeping her weekends sacred for rest and joy. Whether she’s breaking a sweat at the gym, binge-watching a Netflix series, or spending time with loved ones, she honors her time outside of work. Networking, meetings, and professional development are reserved for the weekdays, allowing her to be fully present in both spheres of her life. It’s this clarity of boundary-setting that enables her to bring her best self to every room she enters.
Her impact extends beyond corporate spaces. As a Changemakers Board member for Hands On Atlanta and a council member for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Atlanta, Alex remains grounded in service. These organizations reflect her commitment to uplifting underserved communities and ensuring that the values of equity and compassion are put into practice. Her work is about more than optics—it’s about meaningful, sustained change.

One of the most pivotal moments in her career came during her tenure as Vice President of Communications at ESSENCE. Leading communications for a legacy brand so deeply rooted in Black culture and womanhood elevated her perspective. She realized her presence wasn’t just about executing strategy—it was symbolic and significant. She became a reflection of possibility for others, especially young Black women in media and corporate America. That awareness reshaped how she engaged with others. She began leading not just with excellence, but with empathy and intentionality, knowing that people may forget your words, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

To remain innovative in a constantly evolving industry, Alex surrounds herself with emerging leaders. Her mentees are not just students—they’re teachers. Through them, she stays connected to cultural shifts, new platforms, and fresh perspectives. In her eyes, the key to relevance is a willingness to keep learning, especially from those who come after you.
Her advice to young women entering communications is simple: network with everyone. Whether it’s a peer, a mentor, or someone just starting out, relationships matter. You never know where life will take someone—or when your paths might cross again.

As Alex looks to the future, her focus is clear: continuing to pay it forward. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or community service, she is committed to opening doors and creating spaces where others can thrive. Because in her world, power is not something you hold—it’s something you share.

‍