Current Position:
As a Policy & Research Analyst, Alexia informs Excelencia’s policy and practice efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by conducting research related to Latinos in higher education. Alexia also supports work on institutional transformation through the Seal of Excelencia, and the policy agenda’s current four core priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation.

Past Experiences:
Alexia’s passion for higher education policy was motivated by her personal background as a first-generation college student. She previously worked as a Research Assistant with the Johns Hopkins Poverty & Inequality Research Lab (PIRL) and the Education Policy Initiative (EPI) at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy - University of Michigan where she supported a qualitative research study aimed at reducing inequality in access to higher education. She was also a Summer Scholar at the Postsecondary National Policy Institute with a particular emphasis on accessibility and affordability for underrepresented student populations. She received her AA in Sociology and Social Behavioral Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College, her BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and her Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia?
I decided to join Excelencia because of their commitment and dedication to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. I wanted to bring my experiences and be a part of the leadership that can transform higher education at the national level. By combining research and policy, I look forward to uplifting student voices and identifying areas that serve Latinos, and all students more intentionally.

How would you describe working at Excelencia?
Working at Excelencia is an inspiring, collaborative, and empowering experience. As a collective, we believe in Excelencia’s mission and commitment to intentionally serve the Latino community. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside professionals who are just as passionate as I am in supporting students to, through, and beyond their journey in higher education.