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Alejandra Ceja
Alejandra Ceja
00:58

Alejandra Ceja

US Dept of Education

Washington, DC USA

"There are going to be times when you fall down. But your job is not to avoid falling down-it's to make sure that every time you do, you move in the only direction that matters: forward."

Career Roadmap

Alejandra's work combines: Education, Politics, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

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Day In The Life

Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics

I work to increase educational opportunities for Hispanics to achieve their full potential.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Political Science and Government, General

    Mount Saint Mary College

  • Graduate Degree

    Public Administration

    CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Raised in Huntington Park, CA as a first-generation Mexican-American proud of her roots

  • 2.

    Always thought she'd become a secretary but got interested in policy when she noticed anti-immigrant legislation

  • 3.

    Saw what college offered and realized a degree could open doors to whatever she wanted

  • 4.

    Enrolled at Mt. St. Mary's College; struggled with being a minority on campus but dedicated herself

  • 5.

    After college, was offered an internship in DC, but was afraid to leave her family

  • 6.

    Mom pushed her to go, saying "I came to this country to make sure you weren't afraid of taking opportunities."

  • 7.

    Every time she's afraid, she thinks of her parents' journey and gains the strength to take a leap

  • 8.

    Says risk pays off: she has her dream job of representing her people and working with leaders like the president

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from undefined:

  • How I responded:

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I went from a very overcrowded public school to a private women's college at Mt St Mary's College, and it was a culture shock, coming from a predominantly latino community.