Dr. Alexandra K. Dakessian
Dr. Alexandra K. Dakessian is a Chicago-born educator, school leader, and children’s author who believes stories help shape how children see themselves and one another.
For over a decade, Alex has worked in education, first as a classroom teacher and now as a school administrator. She is deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where every child feels seen, understood, and valued.
Growing up in Chicago, surrounded by diverse cultures, languages, traditions, and lived experiences, shaped the way she views the world. But her passion for this work is also personal. As a child, Alex recognized differences within herself and at times struggled to understand them. Those experiences sparked a lifelong desire to ensure that children today are supported and set up for success in ways she sometimes wished she had been.
She is the creator of the Diverse Universe series, a collection of stories that celebrate differences, navigate big emotions, and remind children that what makes them unique is something to be proud of. Her books are rooted in real experiences — with students, families, and her own children.
Alexandra is a proud mother of three very different and very special children, who continually inspire the heart behind her work. Through both education and storytelling, she hopes to help children better understand themselves, embrace others, and build a kinder, more connected world.