Alexandria Martinez Meier
Alexandria is CFA's Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement.
My role in the CFA
I focus on advancing programs and partnerships that align with NYU’s mission to enhance pathways for pre-college students, college students, and faculty. This involves creating and leading collaborative efforts across departments, engaging with faculty and students, and developing new partnerships that elevate NYU’s public impact. A big part of my work is building strategy and connecting programs and teams, formerly with the College & Career Lab, and most recently the Alliance for Public Interest Technology and NYU Tulsa. My role is also to ensure they are not only effective programs, but also sustainable.
Most enjoyable thing about my work
What I love most is the variety and creativity that my role offers. I enjoy working across multiple disciplines and collaborating with stakeholders—from faculty to industry partners—to transform ideas into action. Seeing projects come to life is incredibly rewarding. For instance, I’m currently leading a couple of initiatives with NYU’s newest study-away site in Tulsa; one is focused on increasing representation to the media and entertainment industry with a pillar in training and education. This project aims to provide economic mobility for underrepresented communities, and the collaboration involves many partners working toward a shared vision. Having the opportunity to shape programs that create lasting impact within both the university and the broader community is deeply fulfilling.
Proudest recent accomplishment at work
One of the highlights of my time at NYU has been developing the College & Career Lab (CCL) into a sustainable framework with a clear, long-term outlook. Passing the program to a new team, and knowing that the strategy and structure I built will allow it to thrive under new leadership was a fulfilling experience. It’s rewarding to see the impact of CCL continue to grow and provide meaningful opportunities for NYC public school students.
Transitioning into a new role focused on Public Interest Technology (PIT) and initiatives at NYU Tulsa is another exciting challenge that allows me to use and expand my expertise and leadership across new content areas. Much like my work at CCL, the goal is not only to create new initiatives but also sustainable programs.
Having the opportunity to shape programs that create lasting impact within both the university and the broader community is deeply fulfilling
Alexandria at her NYU Stern graduation, May 2024
Proudest recent accomplishment outside work
I’m incredibly proud to have earned my MBA part-time at NYU Stern while balancing my professional and personal commitments. During the program, I specialized in Management of Technology and Operations as well as Leadership and Change Management. Stern allowed me to explore new areas within the technology/startup space and develop new skills in Python and SQL. One exciting outcome of this exploration has been developing my own venture, PixelPerch—a project I’m passionate about and hope to bring to life soon.
What I’d do at NYU if I could switch jobs for one week
This is a hard one to answer, I’m extremely curious and love to be innovative and also process-oriented. I enjoyed working with the Office of Youth Programs Compliance while directing the College & Career Lab and could easily spend a week there. I’d love to spend a week working with the Entrepreneurial Institute. It would be fascinating to dive deeper into how they foster startup ventures, which aligns with my work in bridging research with industry. Plus, I’d get hands-on with the innovation process from another perspective. I’m also very curious about HR and helping administrators thread together upward careers at NYU or elsewhere. These programs, along with the process elements, are another area of work I could explore.
Who inspires me professionally
A new connection: Kenny Nguyen, CEO of ThreeSixtyEight, and also a super-connector in workforce development, inspires me. I met him at a conference, where I attended a surprise dinner with 12 strangers. Instead of introducing our jobs, we shared superhero or beige flag (non-threatening) serial killer skills, with the night centered around generosity. At the end, we guessed each other’s careers based on what we learned about one another.
The experience reinforced the value of authentic relationships, generosity, and trust—qualities Kenny exemplifies through his connections and advice. It was a great reminder that success lies not just in achievements but in how we show up for others, a mindset I strive to reflect in my work and programs through mentorship and authentic connections.
Hua-Yu Sebastian Cherng
Vice Dean for Research & Equity, NYU Steinhardt
For over seven years, I have worked with Alexandria, and without a doubt, she is one of the most dedicated and brilliant minds at NYU. Her time leading NYU College & Career Lab has seen the program grow from a small summer offering to one of the largest free year-long initiatives at NYU for New York City public school students. Her efforts and leadership were prescient, as we are in a time when pathways programs have never been as important.
Sheril Antonio
Senior Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives, NYU Tisch
Patti Pearson
Assistant Dean of Global Strategic Initiatives, NYU Tisch
Partnerships and collaborations work best when you are lucky enough to have someone like Alexandria occupy that space. She facilitated a strong bond with us by being graceful, enthusiastic and inviting. We will be forever grateful to have her as a guide, supporter and cheerleader. By understanding how the individual schools fit into the overall vision of CCL and her ability to keep a multi-faceted approach, we were all able to achieve our goals.