Dr. Candice Lucas Bledsoe has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition highlights her decades-long dedication to serving her community, empowering women, and improving access to education.
Through her work as a professor, researcher, and Global CEO of the Action Research Center, Dr. Bledsoe has become a symbol of leadership and service. Her innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment to social change have inspired countless individuals.
Recognizing a Lifetime of Service and Leadership
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is not given lightly. It honors individuals who have devoted their lives to making the world better. Dr. Bledsoe’s career exemplifies this mission.
In her acceptance speech, she reflected on the journey that brought her here. “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,” she said.
Her achievements span decades and reflect her deep commitment to social progress. She has consistently worked to empower underrepresented groups, particularly women and young leaders, through education and leadership development.
Empowering Women Through Storytelling and Advocacy
One of Dr. Bledsoe’s most impactful projects is her initiative to amplify the voices of women globally. She believes in preserving and sharing women’s stories to highlight their contributions to society and leadership.
Her work includes organizing reading groups to promote literacy and cultural understanding. By encouraging dialogue, she fosters stronger communities and helps women embrace their roles as changemakers.
“This project is close to my heart,” Dr. Bledsoe shared in an interview. “It shows how storytelling and education can inspire innovation and collaboration among women worldwide.”
Breaking Barriers in Education and Closing Wealth Gaps
Dr. Bledsoe has also focused on reducing wealth disparities for underrepresented communities. In 2023, she was recognized with the Athena International Leadership Award for her groundbreaking efforts to close the wealth gap.
Her advocacy for equitable access to education has been a driving force in her career. In 2020, she received the UN Day Global Leadership Award for Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. This honor celebrated her efforts to improve school enrollment rates, especially for girls.
“Education is the foundation for change,” Dr. Bledsoe said. “When we give young people the tools to succeed, they can transform their communities.”
Inspiration Drawn from Family and Community
Dr. Bledsoe credits her success to her strong family foundation and the values instilled by her parents and grandparents.
“My maternal grandmother, the late Rebecca Bell, taught me the importance of creativity and being unique,” she said. “My paternal grandmother, Johnnie Mae Lucas, was a passionate educator who inspired my love for learning and leadership.”
These early influences shaped Dr. Bledsoe’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and service. Her community further fueled her passion for uplifting others and addressing systemic challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Dr. Bledsoe is a celebrated leader with several academic appointments, including positions at Penn State University, Southern Methodist University, and the Hunt Institute of Engineering and Humanity.
She advises young professionals to take risks, network effectively, and seek mentorship. “The three qualities that are most impactful on my journey are networking well, communicating with others, and taking risks,” she said. “Having a mentor and sponsor can open doors to opportunities that enhance your career.”
With a doctorate from the University of Southern California and degrees from Southern Methodist University and Baylor University, Dr. Bledsoe exemplifies academic excellence and practical leadership.
