GRETNA, La. (WGNO) — Every morning, Karren Alexander starts her day just like you. Upon first glance, you may not notice she's a bit different. It's that difference, though, that she has turned into strength. "When I was 3 years old my mom was a stay-at-home mom and was washing clothes," explai ned Karren. "I went to help wash the clothes and my hands got stuck in a wringer-tight washing machine and my hands had to be amputated." Your eyes will adore them: ‘Jersey Boys’ on stage in the French Quarter It was a harrowing accident that changed the trajectory of her life, but if you ask Alexander, it's been changed in a positive way. "I've enjoyed my journey in life adjusting who I am and adjust how I present myself to others so that I can help others adjust how they view and value people that are outside what they may consider to be their norm," said Alexander. What CAN'T she do? That's the real question. Alexander's been dubbed the world's first "can-ologist." It's easy to see why - she types, she writes, she even puts together puzzles. Using a "can-do" attitude, Alexander spent 36 years working for the federal government, but her passion is behind the microphone. That's where she spent nearly two decades thriving as a motivational speaker by sharing her story, listening to yours and offering advice. Release the squares! Where to find the good eats, sounds at 2025 Jazz and Heritage Fest "I would have standing room only the last time I had an in-person speaking engagement right before COVID. They shut down my engagement," explained Alexander. "They said the chief of police is about to come in here, you're over capacity for this room!" The capacity for the room, Alexander says, was 500 people. "Now all of my classes are virtual and the audience is even larger." As if she wasn't busy enough helping thousands of other people each year manage their mindset, Alexander has also written two books about overcoming obstacles in life and is currently working on a series of books on how to build up faith and trust within yourself. "A lot of people would ask me how do you do what you do, and why do you do what you do? You should have the mindset that you have the capabilities, or it is possible to achieve whatever that goal or dream is but what you have to do is expand yourself," she said. Alexander's remarkable life is what makes her New Orleans' Most Remarkable Woman for 2025. "Someone actually thinks that I am a remarkable woman? So, if I am to die today, I am pleased that I left a mark on this Earth and that someone is grateful that I was there to help them." Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Fourth US soldier missing in Lithuania found dead Kidney donor detained by ICE before life-saving transplant can take place Dressing sold at Trader Joe's in 17 states recalled over undeclared allergens Greatest April Fools' prank of all time? The story of the BBC's 'spaghetti trees' At least 6 hurt after truck crashes into building, pedestrians in Boston ...read more read less