Alexandra holds a profound belief in the duty and power of the private sector to drive meaningful social change. A forward-thinking innovator, nothing energizes Alexandra like devising creative approaches for complex challenges.
As Senior Associate at Blue Garnet, Alexandra draws on varied social entrepreneurial roles and experiences to help clients identify, structure, and creatively address their most critical strategic issues with actionable and innovative solutions. Before joining Blue Garnet, she developed growth strategies for EdTech start-ups, gained funder perspective at an impact-focused Venture Capital fund, and steered a digital transformation initiative for the education department of a Native American tribe.
In a past life, Alexandra worked as a journalist for NYC-based business publications including The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News. To expand her knowledge of how to drive meaningful social change, she subsequently completed her Master’s in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. Alexandra also graduated summa cum laude from The University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.
Alexandra loves cooking and eating New Mexican food (red, green, or Christmas?), embarking on road trips across the Southwest (Mesa Verde is her favorite National Park) and playing a friendly **cough cough competitive** game of Spades with her parents and significant other.
Get to know Alexandra
Top five strengths: 1. Futuristic 2. Ideation 3. Relator 4. Woo 5. Communication
What’s your “why”?
My home state of New Mexico is a special place, from its breathtaking landscapes to its unique history and vibrant culture. Unfortunately, it is also the 3rd poorest state in the country, and I recognized its inequity at a young age. When I was 5, I told my mom that when I grew up, I wanted “to start a place that helps people, gives them food, and whatever they need.” This conviction to be part of the solution has both remained my North Star and evolved as I have learned more advanced ways of achieving it: through responsibly allocating capital, founding social enterprises, and now at Blue Garnet empowering impactful organizations.
Something people don’t know about me? While my first name is Maria, I go by my middle name: Alexandra. I am named after my maternal grandmother, Maria Susanna, who also went by her middle name!
A show that never gets old? I can always count on Seinfeld for a good laugh.
Go-to snack? I love cheese!