Dr. Candice Lucas Bledsoe was recently honored with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. A statement cited by Black News states that Lucas-Bledsoe, a distinguished professor, researcher, and Global CEO of the Action Research Center, has academic appointments at Penn State University, the Center for the Study of Higher Education, Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, and the Hunt Institute of Engineering and Humanity.
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have exhibited a lifelong dedication to service while making substantial contributions to their communities and beyond.
She said in a statement, “This recognition is a testament to the power of service and collaboration. 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. Bledsoe is committed to developing and inspiring young leaders. She is convinced that young people are changemakers capable of uncovering answers to community challenges.
She is currently in charge of an innovative project to boost the voices of women globally as part of her efforts to encourage young entrepreneurs and innovators to use their skills to contribute to society.
This project aims to honor and preserve their experiences while demonstrating their significant contributions to society and leadership. In addition to documenting these stories, she has organized neighborhood reading groups to encourage literacy and cultural understanding.
The trailblazer shared with Bold Journey that she attributes her confidence to her parents and grandparents.
She recounted, “Certainly, my mother and father played a major role in my life. I would also highlight the relationships with my grandmothers were critical to my academic, leadership, and spiritual development. My maternal grandmother, the late Rebecca Bell, an accomplished entrepreneur who specialized in fashion and interior design stressed the importance of creativity, art, and being unique. My paternal grandmother, the late Johnnie Mae Lucas, who I called my M’Dear, was a passionate educator. She taught me many lessons that helped me excel in math, science, English, oratory, and storytelling. My community fueled my passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.”
Dr. Bledsoe has received several recognitions for her impact on society, including the Athena International Leadership Award for her groundbreaking work in closing the wealth gap for underrepresented groups in 2023.
READ ALSO: Meet the Ghanaian appointed as UN’s first African woman force commander
She was 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.
She remarked, “The three qualities that are most impactful on my journey are being able to network well, communicate with others, and take risks. For people who are early in their career, these qualites are essential to help you achieve your goals. Do not be afraid to share your strengths and how they align with your organization’s goals. Futhermore, having a mentor and a sponsor can help introduce you to opportunities that can help enhance your career.”
Dr. Bledsoe earned her doctorate at the University of Southern California. She is also a graduate of Southern Methodist University and Baylor University.
READ ALSO: Meet Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Ghana’s first female vice president
