Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a podcast from Creative Collective that amplifies the voices and stories of women entrepreneurs who are members of the Creative Collective. In each episode, host Mikki Wilson sits down with a woman business owner from the Creative Collective community to explore her unique journey, what drives her, and where she’s headed next. Local economies thrive when women’s authentic experiences are shared and celebrated. That’s why this podcast goes beyond polished success stories to explore the real challenges, unexpected pivots, and genuine moments of inspiration that shape the entrepreneurial paths of Creative Collective members—sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
Leading From Lived Experience: Shantel’s Leadership Journey
In this conversation, Shantel Alix Fernandez, Director of Community Building for North Shore Community Development Coalition, eflects on lived experience leadership and how identity informs the way leaders serve their communities. In doing so, she offers a grounded perspective on what it means to lead with empathy, representation, and accountability.
“When I look at myself in the mirror and think about who I am—as an immigrant, as a person of color, as an Afro-Latina, as a trans woman—it can be hard to say, ‘I belong there.’”
That tension between visibility and belonging became foundational to how Shantel shows up for others—with empathy, awareness, and a deep respect for people’s lived realities. Her reflections offer language—and permission—for showing up fully without separating identity from impact.
Leadership Up Close
In her work, Shantel operates at the intersection of systems and humanity. She speaks openly about the responsibility—and privilege—of being close to people’s real lives, not just programs or policies.
“That’s what I love about my job—I get to interact with people’s reality.”
Rather than approaching leadership as oversight or authority, Shantel describes her work as proximity. In practice, this means being close enough to understand people’s realities while advocating for systems that respond to them.
For Shantel, leadership is relational. It requires presence, listening, and meeting people where they are without judgment.
Representation and Mentorship
Shantel reflects on the power of representation and mentorship, especially for those who rarely see themselves reflected in leadership spaces.
“Representation is so important. A great mentor sees something in you that you can’t see in yourself—and knows how to pull that out.”
Her approach to leadership centers possibility—not gatekeeping—by widening access and creating pathways for others.
Widening the Path Forward
Throughout the conversation, one truth remains clear: leadership isn’t about individual success—it’s about what you leave behind.
“That’s how change happens—you widen the path behind you so it’s easier for the next person.”
Shantel measures impact not by recognition, but by how many people feel safer, more seen, and more supported because she chose to lead authentically.
What Shantel’s Story Teaches Us About Leadership
Shantel’s journey reminds us that leadership is not about erasing differences to fit a mold. Instead, it’s about expanding the mold itself and creating space for others to lead fully. Her approach to lived experience leadership centers empathy, representation, and accountability in everyday decision-making.
Lessons We’re Carrying Forward
- Leadership rooted in lived experience creates a deeper impact
- Representation is transformational, not symbolic
- Mentorship helps people see what’s already within them
- Community-centered leadership expands access for everyone
Taken together, these lessons point to a leadership model that values presence over performance and long-term impact over short-term recognition.
Call to Action
Where could your leadership create more room for belonging? Whether you’re advocating for others, mentoring someone behind you, or learning to take up space yourself, let Shantel’s story invite you to lead from who you are—not who you think you’re supposed to be. Small acts of visibility and care have a way of widening the path for many.
Join the Conversation
- How has your lived experience shaped the way you lead or show up for others?
- Who helped you see potential in yourself before you were ready to claim it?
- Where could you widen the path behind you for someone else right now?
Join the conversation at creativecollectivema.com.
Connect with Shantel Alix Fernandez
- Email: shantel@northshorecdc.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantel-esmeralda-alix-fernandez-163752163/
Connect with North Shore Community Development Coalition
- Website: https://www.northshorecdc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorecdc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreCDC/
Credits. Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast hosted by Mikki Wilson. Randyll Collum produces this podcast for Peabody TV, your community media center serving the residents and businesses of Peabody and the North Shore area. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
In this episode of Creativity Connects, Mikki Wilson sits down with Shantel Alix Fernandez to explore how identity, lived experience, and community-centered leadership shape the way we show up for others. Shantel reflects on her journey as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, and how navigating systems that weren’t built for her informed the values she brings into her work today. This conversation goes beyond titles to examine leadership rooted in empathy, representation, and widening access for the next generation.
Key Topics Discussed
- Leading from lived experience and identity
- Representation, mentorship, and belonging in leadership spaces
- Community-centered work and relational impact
- Navigating systems while staying grounded in humanity
- What it means to widen the path for others
Memorable Quotes
- “When I look at myself in the mirror and think about who I am—as an immigrant, as a person of color, as an Afro-Latina, as a trans woman—it can be hard to say, ‘I belong there.’” — Shantel
- “That’s what I love about my job—I get to interact with people’s reality.” — Shantel
- “Representation is so important. A great mentor sees something in you that you can’t see in yourself—and knows how to pull that out.” — Shantel
- “That’s how change happens—you widen the path behind you so it’s easier for the next person.” — Shantel
About the Guest
Shantel Alix Fernandez is a community leader whose work centers on equity, representation, and human-centered impact. Drawing from her lived experience as an immigrant, Afro-Latina, and trans woman, Shantel brings empathy, awareness, and intentionality into every space she leads. Her work focuses on building systems and relationships that honor people’s realities while expanding access and opportunity across the North Shore.
About the Host
Mikki L. Wilson is your host, a team member of Creative Collective and the founder of Dot Connector Consulting, where she builds sustainable support systems for women that amplify their value, voice, and visibility. Known as “The Dot Connector,” Mikki brings women together, creates spaces for real conversation, and builds meaningful relationships that move their work forward.
About the Podcast
Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson is a Creative Collective podcast that goes beyond the brand to explore the authentic journeys of women entrepreneurs and community leaders. Hosted by Mikki Wilson, founder of Dot Connector Consulting, the podcast highlights the moments, motivations, and lived experiences that shape how women show up in leadership and service. Produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV. Sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry.
