Alex Perez-Garcia

Strategic Doer. Capacity Builder. Driving Ideas to Impact.

I believe in the power of personal narrative combined with smart strategy, data, and research in solving society’s big systemic problems.

I'm currently a dual Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) candidate at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), specializing in mental health and health care management. Formerly, I was Associate Director of Development and Communications at Disability Lead, where I grew the nonprofit startup organization through high-quality strategic fundraising and community outreach. Outside of this work, since 2019, I've worked with underrepresented, first-time progressive political candidates to build the capacity of their campaigns by providing compliance, financial, and fundraising services.

Before that, I was a Program Associate at The Chicago Community Trust, where I managed several projects related to the Trust’s commitment to racial equity, disability inclusion, and strategic economic growth for diverse populations and disinvested neighborhoods. In my tenure at the Trust, I was integral to the incubation and launch of Disability Lead, formerly ADA 25 Advancing Leadership, the only leadership program in the nation that connects leaders with disabilities with civic engagement opportunities. I started at the Trust through the Kimpton Fellows program, formerly the University of Chicago Public Interest Program (UCPIP), a competitive one-year fellowship opportunity for graduates interested in launching their career in the public sector at high-impact organizations.

As an inaugural member of The Obama Foundation Community Leadership Corps, I founded an online community focused on mental health fueled by young voices of color. In the first month launched, the platform, which featured lived experiences of mental illness, including my own, was read by thousands across the country. Because of my work, I was selected as a featured speaker during the 2018 Obama Foundation Summit. I served as an Ambassador for the Obama Foundation and Chicago200. I served as Co-Chair of the Chicago Foundation for Women's Young Women's Giving Council from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, I was awarded the Young Alumna Award by my high school alma mater. I was a 2020 Disability Lead Fellow and a 2021 New Leaders Council Fellow. I graduated with honors from UChicago with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Public Policy.

In my free time, I'm usually listening to a policy podcast, riding my Peloton, or hanging out with my two adopted cats – not necessarily in that order.

Connect with me online @avperezgarcia.