Meet Alex Bohannon
A proud product of His Community
Alex Bohannon is the youngest member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education ever to serve in its 58-year history. Winston-Salem born and bred, Alex knows first hand the importance of working to ensure the children of our community receive the best education possible. A Parkland High School graduate and former student government leader, coupled with his consistent attendance at school board meetings, Alex has gained distinct insight on the school system, how it functions and how it meets the needs of students. He also has spent time in and studied other systems and communities and knows how to bring those perspectives to the table.
Motivated by a family of educators, community advocates, and public servants
Alex’s family instilled in him respect for education and its power as the great equalizer. His paternal grandmother, a teacher for 32 years, used to pick him up from school each day and then made him practice writing and ensured he completed homework assignments. An early and ever-present influence, she has always pushed him to do his best.
Alex’s father has been with the Winston-Salem Fire Department for 26 years. He guides Alex through his example of public service, selflessness, and courage.
Alex’s stepmother, local educator, entrepreneur, and community leader in her own right, continually inspires him by showing incredible things are possible with tenacity and discipline.
Alex’s mother, his first teacher and a guiding force began her career as a special education teacher after graduating from Winston-Salem State University. Her current work, around early childhood education and educational technology, has shown him the importance of young children gaining an equitable start to their primary education.
Together, his family has taught him invaluable lessons about commitment, responsibility, and the imperative of excellent public schools. As a result, Alex believes every student deserves an education that prepares them to find success in society and to reach for their dreams.
Advocate for educational equity, fairness and opportunities to succeed
Every WS/FCS student deserves an excellent education. Expanding opportunities and Equitable organizations and systems.
While a student at Elon University, Alex developed a keen interest in diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competency. He worked with senior university leadership to improve the undergraduate experience for students of color. It was then, that he discovered just how important it is for everyone to have a seat at the table and to feel that they belong.
Student of history, because we cannot afford to repeat it
The past should help inform the future. When addressing a systemic or isolated issue, a key to seeing the way forward and finding solutions is having a thorough understanding of how you arrived at the status quo. Examining lessons from the past is a crucial part of my decision-making.
Driven by a fierce belief that education is one of the greatest equalizers
Education transforms lives, expanding opportunities and outcomes not only for students, but also their families, often for generations. Alex has experienced this himself, and witnessed the impact on others throughout his life. The promise of education to exemplify the best of American values is what motivates Alex in his continued advocacy for equity in education.
Every child deserves a world of opportunities to learn and find success in school
Growing up, Alex’s grandmother always told him that knowledge is power and that can never be taken away. This belief drives his work and community involvement. He also knows that some of the best ways we can learn are by living and doing. Studying abroad provided him with life-changing lessons. The experience increased his resolve to see that local students have access to a range of learning opportunities to match their interests, gifts and abilities. This spans from art to technology to science to the humanities and more.
Education
B.A. Political Science, Elon University ‘17
Employment
Human Resources Analyst, City of Winston-Salem 2021-Present
Diversity Compliance Specialist, City of Winston-Salem 2019-2021
Program Assistant, Ken Carlson Boys and Girls Club, 2017-2018
Summer Camp Site Supervisor, Winston-Lake Family YMCA, 2014-2016
Summer Camp Counselor, Winston-Lake Family YMCA, 2012
Leadership and Community Involvement
Board Member, Read, Write, Spell, 2019-Present
Trustee, First Baptist Church on Highland Ave, 2017-2020
Founding President, Black Student Union, Elon University, 2015-2016
Member, President’s Student Leadership Advisory Council, Elon University, 2015-2017
Member, Inclusive Community Council, Elon University, 2014-2016