Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Alexander
Hi Anya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the middle daughter of an Army Chaplain who has lived at 56 different addresses in my life. My parents have said that I was singing before I spoke and some of my earliest memories involve music. As a child, I sang four part harmony with my mother and my two sisters in church and at numerous church related events. It was something I enjoyed more than anything else.
As a young adult, I helped lead worship at the BSM (Baptist Student Ministries) at Midwestern State University and picked up guitar from a book in my dorm room in Killingsworth Hall. I have continued worship ministry through my adulthood and to today. But, I always had a big dream of writing my own music and sharing it with the world. A feat that was practically impossible in my Gen X years and that was placed on the back burner for all of the usual reasons – marriage, health crises, surgeries, divorce, and more.
Then, I died. Literally. While attempting to realize a lifelong dream of section hiking the Appalachian Trail NOBO, I succumbed to hypothermia, dehydration, and rhabdomyolysis. When I awoke in the ER, staring at the ceiling filled with bright lights and I instantly knew that God had spared me for a reason. That reason is my music as the vehicle to express my unswerving faith in Jesus’ love. When I say that I was hungry for this dream, I mean I felt it deep in my soul and it was only ever quenched when I was writing, playing, or singing. But, I didn’t fully know what I was doing or how to get my music out there. In came NCS (Nashville Christian Songwriters) and John Chisum. I found an old note in a binder from 2021 and reached out to join one of his NCS Pro Song Mastery Program and the a whole new world was opened to me. From there, I took his One-on-one Coaching Program and now I am wrapping up his Artist Development Program.
Though my current day job is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Lake Superior State University. my passionate avocation is to capture messages and melodies that engage listeners with the captivating love of God. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with some amazing and talented music professionals to help me get my career off the ground and that culminated int he release of L.O.Y.L. (Livin’ On Your Love) that released June 28, 2024 and already has 30k streams on all platforms. My next single, You’re the One, comes out on September 6th and I genuinely hope that the joy I felt in crafting these songs is shared by all who listen.
The intricate combination of rhythms and beats programmed and played by soul phenom Gregatron along with my original lyrics that were carefully arranged with the help of Phoebe Scott bring an up-to-the-minute pop radio vibe that bring both chill and party simultaneously. I cannot wait to share the next songs with those seeking something new and different to add to their playlists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, I have had a very rough road in my adult life that I would not have been able to navigate were it not for my deep faith and reliance upon the Most High God. During my undergrad, I fell inexplicably ill and had to take a year off. Turns out I had developed atypical migraines with syncope. Things kind of went downhill with my health for the next 10 years. I managed to keep my head above water but I underwent almost a dozen major surgeries. The minuscule spark of a dream to make my own music and share it with the world was overwhelmed by medication, working to stay employed, and a marriage that was in trouble.
In 2017, I underwent major surgery on my spine that resulted in some unanticipated complications resulting in stroke like-symptoms and my development of a neurological disorder called Brown-Sequard Syndrome. This changed my life yet again as I had to learn to walk again and strengthen one side of my body. Though the stroke-like symptoms have disappeared, the Brown-Sequard Syndrome continues to advance. I also had limited range of motion in my neck and debilitating pain that caused me to be unemployable.
Fast forward to 2020 when I found myself living in Southern Indiana. I was adopted into a lovely little church and a member decided to go see Nathan Morris speak at a church in Louisville, Kentucky. Praise the Lord, I accepted the invitation. At that point, I had come to the end of myself and accepted that I may never be healed and this could be my new life of physical disability and limitations but that I was going to praise him in and and not just in spite of it. By the end of that event, my neck was healed as well as my lifelong, severe asthma. As the years have gone by, other serious medical issues have progressively resolved themselves (including life-threatening allergies that once required allergy shots twice a year).
With a miraculously healed neck, brand new lungs, and a heart overflowing with gratitude, I started writing music again. I investigated courses to hone my craft but I was still without work and an income able to support my dream. God came through again with a job that allows me to not only work on my dream but to be able to invest in it.
Knowing that God has always been in control, that He has protected me from things that could have been so much worse than they were, and that I have an army of family and friends covering me in prayer is why I am standing and singing today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What do I do? I am starting my 19th year working in higher education in the Division of Student Affairs. I have worked at nine different colleges and universities across the country (from the University of Maine to St Marys College to North Central Texas College to the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale) and specialize in supporting students outside of the classroom. With roles from Director of Housing to Associate Dean of Student Affairs, I bring my expertise in housing, meal plans, student activities, clubs & organizations, policy, protocol, emergency response, and more to my campuses and my students.
I am most often known for my willingness to go above and beyond and put in the work even when it is not fun or recognized. My students know me as rule oriented and fair. My staff knows me as someone who will always go to bat for them if they are in the right. My peers recognize me as someone who will go above and beyond to get things done.
My career in higher education has been a long one that I sometimes forget it as long as it has been. I mean, how is that possible when my brain tells me that 1980 was only 20 years ago? However, I can say that I am proud of being a small part in my students stories as they grow into adults ready to leave the nest. Having a student reach out on social media or stop by the office to thank me for a kind word, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on is the greatest recognition I could ever receive.
What sets me apart from others? I am unsure of how to answer that. I genuinely feel that I just put my head down and get my work done. It is important to me that others feel they can rely on me and that I will accomplish the goals and tasks set before me. My father did an amazing job of teaching my sisters and me that we are not working to gain favor and glory here on earth but that we endeavor to pursue excellence for the Kingdom. Even on the most challenging days, when I find myself unfairly in someone’s crosshairs, or when the culture of higher education shifts in a way that is counter to my beliefs, I am able to unplug and lean in to my Father God for support and as a reminder that all my hours and efforts are for Him and not for man. That has allowed me to remain steadfast and upright in my career.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity has been the most important quality in my career, especially as an introvert. Being authentic means embracing who I am, even if that means being a bit more reserved or introspective. In songwriting, this allows me to dig deep and express my true thoughts and emotions, creating music that resonates because it’s honest and raw.
As an introvert, connecting with my audience has never been about putting on a show or being someone I’m not. Instead, I focus on sharing my genuine experiences, which helps me build a deeper connection with my fans. They appreciate that I’m just as human as they are, with my own fears and vulnerabilities.
Even in designing my merchandise, I stay true to myself and my brand. I choose designs and products that reflect my personality and what I believe my fans would genuinely love. Being authentic in everything I do has helped me build a meaningful and lasting career. It’s not about chasing trends or fitting in; it’s about staying true to myself and letting that shine through in all aspects of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.worshipanyamind.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmeanyalee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmeanyalee/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ItsMeAnyaLee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmtKVieR8QvaXTVkPrNpwMA
