Today we’d like to introduce you to Alesha Figueroa-Falcon.
Hi Alesha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, and I am of Puerto Rican descent. I grew up in what we called “the projects,” or low-income housing, and was raised by my grandmother. My mother passed away from leukemia, and my father has been incarcerated in federal prison since I was two years old—he remains there today, and I am now 29.
Despite a tumultuous upbringing marked by exposure to violence, drugs, abusive relationships, and encounters with the law, I found strength in education. I excelled in school and made a conscious decision to use it as a pathway forward. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with minors in Legal Studies and Political Science, and went on to complete my master’s degree in Public Administration.
My journey wasn’t linear. I stepped away from my undergraduate studies at one point because it became overwhelming, especially as I struggled with an identity crisis and feelings of not belonging. Through faith and perseverance, I found my way back, completed my degree, and continued on to graduate school.
While in grad school, I joined a sorority and met my husband. Today, we own our first home and are blessed with a beautiful baby girl. My husband, Trevor, and my daughter, Lady’Anaei, are my world.
Now, my focus is on my family and my work at Parents Invincible. I am part of an incredible team that feels more like family than colleagues. That share a passion for serving and uplifting our community and makes the work deeply meaningful and rewarding.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. As a child, I spent a lot of time alone. My grandmother couldn’t afford childcare, so after elementary school I would be home by myself until about 10 at night. My “mom”—who is actually my grandmother—always did the best she could. I saw her hard work and appreciated every sacrifice she made to provide for me. Even though we didn’t have much, we had each other, and that was always enough.
In my teenage years, I entered a very abusive relationship. Looking back, I understand that I was searching for love and was willing to accept almost anything to feel it. During that time, I followed in my partner’s footsteps and made a decision that led to me committing a crime. I was arrested the next day at school.
The pain of seeing the disappointment in my mother’s eyes was worse than anything I had ever felt. I carried that feeling heavily, believing I had let her down. By the grace of God—and my academic record—the judge gave me another chance. I was placed on three years of probation, wore an ankle monitor until my trial concluded, and was required to attend mental health counseling and complete several programs.
That moment became a turning point for me. Seeing how disappointed my mother was pushed me to change direction. I continued to excel in school while becoming more involved—I served as student body president, explored band, joined the yearbook committee, and participated in chess club. Still, I was navigating a difficult dual reality, as I remained in that abusive relationship and spent time in environments that didn’t reflect who I was striving to become.
When it came time for college, I was accepted into 18 schools, many with full scholarships. I initially chose Stockton University, but on the day I was supposed to leave, I drove halfway there and turned around. I wasn’t ready to be that far from my mom. In that moment, I convinced myself I just wouldn’t go to college at all.
But about a week before the semester started, one of my high school counselors, Kevin Waters, showed up at my house. He told me I needed to go—and if distance was the issue, he would help me find a closer option. Soon after, I was accepted to Rutgers University–Camden, living on campus, and beginning my college journey. From there, everything changed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as the Executive Director of Parents Invincible, a nonprofit organization based in the city of Camden. Our mission is to help bridge gaps in education through advocacy, support, community collaboration, research, data, education policy, and civic engagement. We work closely with parents to ensure they stay informed, empowered, and actively engaged in their children’s education and in the broader community.
As a leader, I strive to be fair, intentional, and grounded in doing what’s right. I’m known as a hard worker, and some have described me as a “mover and shaker” and a key stakeholder in the city. Those are titles I don’t take lightly—they reflect the responsibility I feel to show up and make a real impact. In addition to this role, I am also a commissioner for the Housing Authority, and I have sat on various boards around the community. I started a fruit tree garden in East Camden.
As an organization, we’ve been honored with several awards, both collectively and individually. But more than anything, we’re known for being “boots on the ground”—present, accessible, and deeply connected to the community we serve. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
What I value most is our culture. We truly operate like a family, always going above and beyond for our city and for each other. That shared commitment and passion are what make this work so meaningful to me.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Truthfully, much of what I’ve shared is not widely known. For a long time, I kept those parts of my story to myself. But I felt it was important to find the courage to share my testimony, in the hope that others might see themselves in it and take something meaningful away from it.
I also want people to know that I am currently writing a book titled Miss Fortune, which tells my story in greater depth and explores many of the experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parentsinvincible.org/
- Instagram: @falconalesha
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alesha.falcon.jones/
Image Credits
Orlando Caban @creativemindmedia
