From ASU West Valley to city hall: Alejandro Hernandez connects community and opportunity

Alejandro “Alex” Hernandez is a proud two-time graduate of Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. He earned his bachelor's degree in history with minors in communication and political science before completing a master's in social justice and human rights in 2024 — all at ASU's West Valley campus. Today, he’s using that education to serve the public as a program coordinator in the city of Peoria’s Economic Development Department.

His journey to city government was driven by a desire to serve and uplift the communities he calls home. 

“I always knew I wanted to help people and give back,” Alex said. “At New College, I learned how economic, social, and political systems shape everyday lives. That understanding prepared me to do meaningful work.”

As a program coordinator, Alex supports Peoria’s growth by helping local businesses thrive, expanding community access to resources, and building partnerships that drive sustainable development. His work focuses on fostering inclusive economic opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs and residents across the city.

“What really set New College apart was how interdisciplinary it was,” he said. “I wasn’t just learning one thing in isolation. I was learning how systems connect — how history informs policy, how communication drives change, how justice is built in communities. That’s exactly the kind of thinking I use every day.”

A first-generation college graduate, Alex says his family played a foundational role in shaping his values. “My parents didn’t have the same opportunities I’ve had, but they always encouraged me to take full advantage of mine,” he said. “I wanted to make them proud — and I wanted to set an example for my family and others in my community.” Their support, he said, was instrumental in helping him pursue both undergraduate and graduate education.

Alex’s academic path was one of discovery and transformation. He arrived at New College with a passion for history and a drive to understand how the past informs the present. Through coursework, mentorship, and community engagement, he developed a broader vision of justice, one rooted in inclusion, access, and equity.

“I had professors who really invested in me,” he said. “They didn’t just teach, they listened. They challenged me to go further, to think critically, and to see the bigger picture.”

That mindset now guides his work at Peoria City Hall, where he blends strategy with compassion. Whether he’s coordinating with local businesses or planning events that bring residents together, Alex always keeps people at the center of his efforts.

Karen Columbus, program manager for the city of Peoria’s Economic Development and Business Retention and Expansion Department, described Hernandez as a “connector.”

“He brings fresh perspective, strong communication skills, and a real passion for service. His ability to navigate complex projects while staying grounded in community needs is impressive.”

Alex says the ASU Charter continues to shape how he sees his role in public service. “We’re measured not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed,” he said, referencing ASU’s guiding philosophy. “That’s something I carry with me into every meeting, every project, every plan.”

He also remains involved with ASU, mentoring current students and encouraging them to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead of them. “There’s so much you can learn outside the classroom, through internships, research, community work,” he said. “I want students to know they belong in these spaces. They can lead. They can make change.”

Looking ahead, Alex hopes to continue growing within the public sector, exploring roles that combine leadership, policy, and advocacy. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” he said, “it’s that small actions add up. Whether it’s showing up for a class, a job, or a neighbor, you build change step by step.”

For Alejandro Hernandez, those steps have led from New College classrooms to City Hall corridors. With a strong foundation from New College and a passion for public service, Hernandez is demonstrating how local leadership can make a lasting impact.