From the courts and track to the classroom and beyond, Alicia Hardy-Josephs’ journey is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the power of investing in oneself. Growing up in White Plains, NY, Hardy-Josephs embraced the discipline and competitive spirit of athletics from an early age. She competed in basketball, track and field, and karate, pushing herself to achieve incredible milestones—including earning a black belt in Oyama karate while still in middle school and competing in the Junior Olympics in Omaha, Nebraska. These experiences instilled in her a strong sense of focus, determination, and the ability to overcome obstacles—qualities that would serve her well throughout her life.
Understanding the importance of education, Hardy-Josephs pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a minor in Communication from Dominican College. Her passion for working with youth led her to a role as the Future Excel Coordinator at White Plains High School, where she helped students prepare for careers and educational opportunities. “While working at the Youth Bureau, I discovered my passion for working with youth and their families—helping them enhance their education, develop social-emotional well-being, and prepare for college and employment.”
Driven by her commitment to making a difference, she continued her education, earning a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. This dedication paved the way for her career as a Licensed School Social Worker, first in Mount Vernon High School and now in the City School District of New Rochelle. She provides counseling, advocates for student success, and connects families with essential resources—all while holding an additional license to serve in Washington, D.C.
For Hardy-Josephs, financial education is just as crucial as academic and athletic success. She strongly believes that schools should teach students fundamental financial skills like budgeting, investing, and credit management. “I believe schools should teach financial topics because it is important for students to understand essential skills like budgeting, credit cards, investing, and saving. These lessons would help students make smart financial decisions, avoid debt, and build a strong foundation for their future.” These tools, she emphasizes, are key to building a strong financial foundation and avoiding common financial pitfalls.
She extends this wisdom to her own children and today’s student-athletes, advising them to save, invest wisely, and make informed financial decisions that will set them up for long-term stability. “I believe financial literacy is important for athletes because it provides them with a strong foundation for managing their earnings, making smart investments, and securing their financial future. With the right knowledge, athletes can avoid common financial pitfalls.”
Hardy-Josephs’ story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight—it is built through years of dedication, both on and off the field. Her journey showcases the importance of investing in education and financial knowledge to create a stable and fulfilling future. Whether competing as an athlete or guiding students as a social worker, Hardy-Josephs embodies resilience, passion, and the commitment to lifelong growth. Her message to current athletes? Stay disciplined, pursue education, and take control of your financial future—because the investments you make in yourself today will shape the life you build tomorrow.