Alejandra Vadillo

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by PepsiCo Foundation
Hometown: Crete, Nebraska
School: The University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Health & Society; Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American Latino Studies
Placement: Office of Representative Delia Ramirez

Alejandra Vadillo (she/her) is the proud daughter of two Mexican immigrants who made rural Nebraska their home. In a community sustained by immigrant labor, she observed unwavering dedication to building a safer and healthier future for their families. Despite a large and growing Latino population in her hometown, representation in community leadership and academic spaces failed to reflect the changing demographics. This disconnect sparked her curiosity about the structures and policies that shape the access to health and prosperity.

Being a part of a mixed-status family has made Alejandra acutely aware of the limitations undocumented immigrants face accessing healthcare and other essential resources, regardless of their hard work and sacrifice. Her grandfather, a curandero, served their community by providing traditional healthcare in his home when hospitals were inaccessible to many. Learning about the hardships that many community members faced as a result of poor health, inspired her to pursue a joint degree in Public Health and Latino Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Alejandra combined research, advocacy, and professional experience to better understand the intersections of race, health, and public policy. As a research assistant for UT Project SEED, she investigated the health implications of language brokering on children. She reinforced her commitment to addressing systems that stifled the voices of her undocumented family members by researching the history of U.S. Border Patrol with the UT Humanities Institute and misinformation in electoral environments with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. She also advocated for immigrant access to social services, culturally informed psychotherapy, and affordable housing as a member of the illustrious Texas Speech Team. Professionally, she supported U.S. Department of State exchange programs with Texas Global and continues to serve as the Marketing Manager for We Hear You, an accessibility technology company promoting independence for people with disabilities.

As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, Alejandra hopes to find ways to empower Latinos and immigrants through the legislative process. She aspires to become an attorney, advocating on behalf of the communities that put her in this position.