We recently had the chance to connect with Allex Englett and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Allex, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d like to think I’m walking a path, though it’s anything but straight. It’s rugged, and shifts with each relationship, success, and challenge that comes my way. Even when the ground feels uneven, I’ve learned there’s often a beautiful opportunity just around the corner.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Allex Englett, and I’m proud to serve as the Executive Director of Ivanhoe Village Main Street (IVMS). Ivanhoe Village is a nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Orlando to strengthen and celebrate our historic commercial district. We do this through a variety of initiatives, including neighborhood beautification and placemaking projects, signature community events, small business workshops, and other programs designed to support our local economy and culture.
My journey with Ivanhoe Village began while managing a business in the district, where I quickly became involved as a volunteer and later served on the Board of Directors. My heart has always been in service, and it was deeply rewarding to contribute to the community I worked in. When the opportunity arose to step into the Executive Director role, I took a leap, and over 3.5 years later, I remain passionate about advancing Orlando’s growth and preserving the unique charm of Ivanhoe Village.
Ivanhoe Village is Orlando’s cultural hub with Loch Haven Park (Orlando Science Center, Ballet, Fringe, museums, and theaters), as well as niche small businesses, plenty of green space and a recreational lake, and world-class healthcare (Advent).
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I thought there was only one path to success: go to school, get the best grades, and land the perfect job. Any deviation from that plan felt like failure. Over time, I realized those detours taught me a great deal. They gave me resilience, broadened my perspective, and led me to value service to my community and the relationships I’ve built along the way, which are lessons I feel can’t necessarily be learned in a classroom. Now, in my role, I joke that I’m a “jack of all trades, master of none,” because it takes a little bit of everything to do what I do. And honestly, I think that variety is one of my greatest strengths.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
My career path. With a heart for service, I believed nursing was a calling. Nursing school was anything but easy for me, and I was unsuccessful. It was a bit of a plot twist, but through that experience, new doors opened. Now, I’m in a role that I feel like I’m a great fit for, that I didn’t even know existed at the time I started nursing school.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public me is just me. In a role that’s all about relationships, passion, and grit, I’ve learned that the best way to connect is to show up as my authentic self.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Stressing/ Worrying!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ivanhoevillage.org/
