Born Alexa Irene Canady 11/7/50 in Lansing, Michigan.
She and her brother were the only African-American students in their secondary schools.

She received her undergraduate degree in zoology and her medical degree from the University of Michigan.

She was the first black and female intern at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

She was the first African-American neurosurgeon resident at the University of Michigan Medical School.

She was the first black person to be a neurosurgeon.

She was the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan from 1987 to 2001 when she retired.

She was inducted into Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.

She received the American Medical Women’s Association President’s award.

She received the Candace Award (“Black role models of uncommon distinction who have set a standard of excellence for young people of all races”) from the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.