Purpose, Connection and the Heart of a Leader-A Marine’s Journey in Creating Belonging and Meaning

In this moving and deeply human episode of The Trailblazer Chronicles, Judy sits down with M. Alexis Wright, a remarkable leaders whose 23-year military career has been shaped by purpose, presence and the fierce love of mentorship. A self-described “mom to Marines,” she shares how her journey of service transformed from proving herself in a male-dominated world to becoming a source of belonging and purpose for the next generation.

Together, they explore the evolution of leadership, the power of showing up authentically, and why connecting others, to themselves, to each other, and to a mission bigger than themselves, is the most courageous act of all.

Bio-

Margaret Alexis Wright is a native Texan and a highly accomplished leader with a distinguished career of service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holding a Master’s degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, Alexis served as a Marine Corps Intelligence Officer with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Throughout her career, she’s held key roles in national security, including serving as an Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, completing U.S. Army Command and Staff as an Art of War Scholar, and advising international partners. Alexis is adept at strategic analysis, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication.

Today, she serves as the Security Assistance Branch Head at the Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command and as an instructor at the Marine Corps Civil Military Operations School.

Alexis resides in Occoquan, Virginia, with her partner, LTC R. Zach Alessi-Friendlander, USA and their beloved dog, Jolene (who, they warn, will steal your man!).