Ingrid Alexander’s MVL
Photo: MVL
I first met Ingrid on the telephone. She rang me up because she heard that I was interested in community events. When I answered, she greeted me with the words, “Great Morning!” I soon discovered that Ingrid Alexander is the kind of person who sees each day as a possibility for great things to occur. She is community minded, she dreams big, and her commitment and conviction basically allow her to pull off miracles. Like dreaming up JoyFest (Mooresville’s first gospel music festival) and pulling together a lineup of speakers, musicians and choirs in just a few short months. She is a collaborator and a faith-driven ‘let’s go!’ person, in all the best ways.
Ingrid, where are you from?
“I’m from Philadelphia, and I moved to North Carolina in 2000. I knew nothing about Mooresville at all. I had never heard of Lake Norman. Then in 2015, I was online and an apartment popped up…I applied, and I’ve been here ever since! So you could say that Mooresville kind of found me.”
What do you like most about living here?
“I like the growing community. This is a family. A family that we get to choose. I feel safe here, and I feel loved.”
How do you connect to the community?
“A lot of volunteer work. A lot of serving. I’m on the Community Relations Committee (Town). And I’m the chair organizer for the MLK committee breakfast. I attend church, and there’s a lot of community service there. And, I just go out! I’m pretty much an ambassador… and even though I want to stay home sometimes, I just get out and talk to people. Sometimes I give them an encouraging word. Sometimes people may need a hug. I meet people in Downtown Mooresville, or at new restaurants when they open. Epic Chophouse is one of my favorites.”
How would you like to see this community grow?
“I would love to see more opportunities for the African American Community. I would like to see more black-owned businesses here. And I don’t think there is enough communication between {Town} decision makers and the African American community. I don’t think they’re taking our ideas and concerns seriously.”
Tell me about the community event you’ve been organizing?
“Yes, JoyFest! It’s a vibrant, diverse celebration of love! Community love. I’m so excited. I have a love for music, and a growing gift. So this year we’re adding JoyFest for youth called Bridging The Gap Through Community and Collaboration. It’s April 20th! Then our second annual JoyFest will be in August, here at Liberty Park. We’re gonna Pack the Park!”
Ingrid, do you ever say no?
“No! (laughs) God created me to spread love, and smile. And smiles are free. And people need more laughter. They need more joy. They need more peace. They need more music. We all need more smiles and we need to learn how to love on each other.”
What’s your MVL?
“Treating people right, with kindness. Kindness is free. And storing up blessings…kind acts. Just doing God’s work. Treating people how we’re supposed to treat each other…the way we want to be treated. And loving our brothers no matter what. No color. We don’t want to see color when it comes to love. And I believe when you do that, your blessings just keep flowing. I really do.”
If you’re interested in becoming a part of JoyFest, Ingrid is beyond excited to say yes. Email us at contact@yourmvl.com and we’ll pass your info along!
