Welcome to our Fargo Moms to Know series! We will feature moms right here in our local community to highlight the wonderful things they are doing as mothers, business owners, community members, and friends. If you’d like to nominate someone to be featured in our Fargo Moms to Know series, contact us through the form below!
Meet Alexa Dixson-Griggs!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have one son, Emmitt, he is eight months old!
How long have you lived in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
I’ve lived in the area for about nine years, but I graduated high school from Enderlin, ND, which isn’t too far away. I currently reside in North Moorhead!
What do you do for a living?
I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. I currently provide program management at Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP), a local nonprofit.
What do you love about your job?
I love seeing people reach their definition of success! Whether that is buying their first home, finding their way out of poverty, or learning a new skill. It’s rewarding to know that you and your agency have a role in changing lives.
What tip would you give to new working moms?
Don’t be hard on yourself! I remember talking to my boss a few weeks after returning to work and saying, “I’m sorry I’m so disorganized lately. I’m not sure what is going on.” She reminded me that I have another human to take care of and it would take some time for my brain to adjust to all of my new responsibilities.
And what has helped you manage your weeks as a working mom?
Mom guilt is so real. Like a lot of people, I feel guilty for not being able to spend more time with my family. To combat that and start each day off on a positive note, we get up 10-15 minutes early each morning to just spend time together cuddling as a family! It has been a vital part of our routine to spend some uninterrupted time together before a busy work day.
What do you do to rest and recharge?
I am a reality show junkie! I love trashy TV, and at the end of the day being able to zone out and shut my brain off is such a relief.
What’s your favorite local summer spot or thing to do?
It’s a toss up between Movies in the Park and the farmer’s market! I love to be outside and it’s so fun to see all of the amazing things my neighbors have to offer.
What do you love about raising a family in the FM area? What’s most challenging about raising a family here?
As a new mom in the FM area I love knowing that my son will grow up in a safe place, but will still have access to opportunities he might not have gotten in a smaller town!
The hardest part about being a new mom in the FM area has been connecting with other moms of color. I also think COVID has played a part in this, connecting in general has been difficult!
What was the hardest part about transitioning to motherhood?
The hardest part about transitioning to motherhood has been trying to do it all. Getting enough rest, taking care of yourself, being a good employee, eating healthy meals, nourishing relationships, being a wife, and being a mother is a lot of roles to play. I’ve learned that it is okay to not be the best at all of my roles, all of the time. But it was a hard transition and took some time to give myself that grace!
What has been the most rewarding thing about becoming a mother?
I have never loved anything more than being a mother and I think it is just being able to see my son learn and grow daily. Knowing that every time he smiles and giggles it is because he is truly happy. Knowing that every time he cries, he is crying out for me because I am his whole world. It is an honor to be his mother and even on the hard days, that unconditional love is the best feeling in the world!
What is one piece of advice you would give to new mothers?
Ask for help! If you are stressing at work, in your relationship, with your home, or yourself: ask for help. There is no award for “most overwhelmed mother,” but the reward for asking for help is a healthy and happy babe!
Thank you, Alexa, for sharing with us about your life and allowing us to feature you in our Fargo Moms to Know series!
More about Alexa: 
Alexa Dixson-Griggs was born in Houston, TX, but has lived in ND/MN for the greater part of her life. She graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the University of North Dakota and works at a local non-profit in Moorhead. She is passionate about social justice for marginalized populations and mental health. Her husband is the Office Manager for Prairie Naturopathic Doctors in Moorhead. They met attending college at MSUM in 2013 and have one son, two cats, and two dogs!
