Alejandra Y. Castillo
Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce
Alejandra Y. Castillo is a distinguished leader in economic development and policy, currently serving as a Chancellor Senior Fellow for Economic Development at Purdue University Northwest. In this role, she continues to shape economic strategies and workforce development initiatives, leveraging her extensive experience in public service. Prior to this, Castillo completed a Fall 2024 Fellow in Residence at the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School, where she led critical discussions on U.S. economic development and its implications for national security.
Castillo’s career has been marked by several high-impact roles in government. From 2021 to 2024, she served as the 23rd U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), overseeing the implementation of over $6.8 billion in funding for transformative economic development projects across the U.S. These initiatives resulted in the creation and retention of more than 700,000 jobs and helped advance national priorities such as the American Rescue Plan and Tech Hubs. She also served as the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency under President Obama, securing over $19 billion in financing for minority-owned businesses. Castillo has also held the role of CEO at YWCA USA, where she advocated for racial and social justice. Currently, as the CEO of Quantum Global Advisors, Castillo works with public and private stakeholders to build strategies that foster inclusive economic growth.
Panel Information
Wednesday, March 11, 2025
1:30 PM EST
Future-Proofing Latinos: Closing Tech Gaps for a Stronger Workforce
Technology holds the key to unlocking extraordinary opportunities for Latinos, offering a chance to usher in a new era of growth, leadership, and innovation. But that future hinges on one critical factor: inclusion. In this session, we’ll explore how technology can help Latino leaders address some of the most pressing issues facing their communities—whether it’s closing the digital divide, expanding broadband access, or preparing for the profound shifts in the workforce brought on by AI. Join us as we examine the programs and initiatives shaping the future, and imagine a world where technology and Latino leadership come together to create a more inclusive, prosperous society for all.
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