Alumni Spotlight: Blayre Riley '20
A Conversation with Blayre Riley '20
February 23, 2026
We are proud to introduce Blayre Riley '20 as part of our February Alumni Spotlight series. From navigating the unique challenges of the Class of 2020 to building a career in public relations, Blayre’s story is one of resilience, pride, and a deep commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Blayre will return to campus on Friday, February 27, as a featured panelist for our Alumni Culture & Community Celebration for Black History Month. She will join Kayla Andrews ‘17 and moderator Dr. Michael Sorrell P'29 for an insightful discussion: Navigating Life & Career with an HBCU Education.
Join Us for the Alumni Insights Panel
Don't miss the chance to hear more from Kayla!
- What: Alumni Culture & Community Celebration for Black History Month
- Theme: Navigating Life & Career with an HBCU Education
- When: Friday, February 27 | 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
- Where: North Dining Room, The Episcopal School of Dallas
Purpose: Lifting the Next Generation
For Blayre, purpose isn’t something that appears overnight; it’s discovered by following the things that pull at your heart. For her, those things are storytelling, leadership, and service.
As I got older, my purpose became clearer: giving back to my community and pouring into younger Black girls. Everything I do—professionally and personally—is with that goal in mind. I'm always asking, 'How does this help someone coming after me?'
Representation Fuels Purpose
Blayre’s time at ESD was transformative. Being one of only two Black women in her graduating class made her deeply aware of the importance of representation. It taught her how to be a strong student and a "God-fearing woman," providing the foundation she needed to transition to Spelman College.
At Spelman, Blayre saw the power of seeing oneself reflected in leadership and academia. This journey from ESD to an HBCU helped her understand that her voice is a tool for change. Today, she carries that perspective into every room she enters, ensuring she creates space for the stories and people who often go unheard.
Celebrating the Wins: The Class of 2020
Though she is part of the "COVID Class" that saw their senior year interrupted, Blayre holds onto the "euphoric" memories of her final first semester on campus—the school pride, the events, and the feeling of being celebrated for years of hard work.
That experience stayed with me. It taught me the importance of celebrating wins—big or small—and not rushing past the milestones. That mindset reminds me to pause, reflect, and honor how far I've come.
Career and Education at a Glance
- Education: Spelman College; B.A. in English Language and Literature
- Current Role: Specialist Consultant, Public Relations at AT&T
Advice for Current Students
Blayre encourages students to trust their own unique history as they look toward their careers:
Get comfortable using your voice early. Write, speak up, ask questions, and don't wait until you feel 'ready.' In PR and Communications, your perspective is your power—especially as a person of color. Build skills, but also trust that your lived experience belongs in every room you enter.
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
