Alejandra Castillo

I attribute my success to being always open to learn - you don't know everything all the time, and you might have made mistakes. That's why you need to surround yourself with the correct people, so you have this support system where you can lay down and ask, 'Hey, what do I need to do, or what do you think I'm missing?' You need someone that can guide you, even if it's not directly, but someone that can kind of give you an example of where the way is. More than going or having a certification, it's been about surrounding myself with the correct women. That phrase that people say a lot - surround yourself with women that will say your name when there's an opportunity in the room - I feel like I've been very blessed to have that type of women around me.

You're going to pivot everywhere, and there's not a single road, there's not an only option A. You're going to have to pivot as many times as needed, and every single time that you change, there is a lesson learned in that experience.

I believe that, as a young woman in professional environments, there is often an unspoken challenge in being perceived with the same level of credibility and authority that men may receive more naturally. Many of those challenges are internal as much as external — learning to trust your voice, your knowledge, and your ability to lead, even while still growing professionally.

I’ve often felt that women have to work harder to prove themselves and earn their place at the table, and when you are younger, that challenge can become even more pronounced. There is sometimes an assumption that youth equates to inexperience, rather than recognizing the value, capability, and leadership a young professional can already bring. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of allowing your work, consistency, and resilience to speak for themselves while continuing to grow with confidence.

Empathy is one of the values I consider most important, both professionally and personally. I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable, respected, and supported, because I believe the environments we choose to be part of should feel collaborative rather than intimidating.

To me, empathy means recognizing that everyone carries responsibilities, challenges, and experiences outside of work that we may not always see. We all have difficult days and personal struggles, which is why I believe kindness, patience, and understanding are essential in how we interact with one another. I’ve found that treating people with empathy not only strengthens relationships, but also creates healthier and more productive professional environments.