Nationwide — Dr. Candice Lucas-Bledsoe, an accomplished professor, researcher, and Global CEO of the Action Research Center, has been honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service while making significant contributions to their communities and beyond.
Dr. Bledsoe is devoted to mentoring and empowering young leaders. She believes that young people are the changemakers who can develop solutions to problems in their communities. Her efforts inspire the next generation of young innovators and entrepreneurs to leverage their talents to make a social impact. Currently, she leads an innovative project to amplify the voices of women worldwide. This initiative seeks to preserve and celebrate their stories, highlighting their vital contributions to leadership and society. In addition to archiving these narratives, she has created local reading collectives to promote literacy and cultural understanding.
In 2023, Dr. Bledsoe received the Athena International Leadership Award for her groundbreaking work in closing the wealth gap for underrepresented groups. She was also named a Top 100 Global Leader by the Global Diversity Council in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to creating inclusive environments that foster progress and innovation. In 2020, she received the UN Day Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, honoring her tireless efforts to increase access to education and school enrollment rates at all levels, particularly for girls.
“This recognition is a testament to the power of service and collaboration,” she said. “I am inspired by the people and communities I have worked with. It reminds me that service, leadership, and education are powerful tools to create a better world.”
Dr. Candice Lucas-Bledsoe pursued her doctoral studies at the University of Southern California. She also holds degrees from Baylor University and Southern Methodist University.
For more information about her initiatives, visit DrCandiceBledsoe.com