Her Story
About Alejandra
Alejandra Meneses has built a career dedicated to advancing healthcare education, workforce development, specializing in graduate medical education and allied healthcare. She began her professional journey in graduate medical education in 2018 after earning a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she double majored in Political Science and Religious Studies with a minor in Global Peace and Security. She later earned a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Student Development from California Baptist University. Her experience includes supporting physician residency and fellowship programs at academic medical centers and a county teaching hospital before transitioning into healthcare workforce development in education tech. Today, Meneses serves as Healthcare Program Delivery Manager at InStride, where she partners with healthcare systems and academic institutions to expand educational pathways and professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals. In addition, she is the founder of A.Men Admin, LLC, providing virtual administrative support to small businesses, nonprofits, and physicians launching private practices. Her passion for service extends beyond her professional roles as a certified Zumba instructor and community organizing. Throughout her career, Meneses has been driven by a commitment to creating equitable opportunities for learning, professional growth, and leadership development. She credits much of her success to the exceptional mentors who have encouraged, challenged, and supported her personal and professional journey. Guided by a collaborative mindset and a passion for helping others succeed, she continues to build meaningful partnerships that strengthen healthcare organizations, empower professionals, and improve access to education and career advancement. Identified by her team as the "Curious Executioner- Executes the work, not people", she has built trust amongst her peers and clients as someone who asks the right questions, digs deep, and connects the dots. Described as thoughtful, thorough, and relentless, she brings genuine joy in building new programs for InStride or supporting client projects through A.Men Admin.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alejandra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible mentors who have invested in both my personal and professional growth. They have challenged me, encouraged me, and kept me in mind when new opportunities have arisen, helping me continue to grow throughout my career. I've also learned the importance of equanimity under pressure, especially when managing high-risk projects. Maintaining a steady, solutions-focused mindset has allowed me to navigate challenges effectively and consistently deliver strong results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Prioritize and identify what you tackle 1st (is it a fire or something you can take some time with). When working with multiple stakeholders, there will be competing interests and timelines. The ability to 'zoom out', remain objective, and prioritize is key when trying to start something new in existing complex environments.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
All the skills you have learned in every role or educational institution are applicable when shaping your professional identity. Do not allow comparison or self- doubt to diminish the positive impact you have made at every stage in your career simply because you are still growing professionally. You have a variety of skills and life experiences that will shape your discernment, even if the scope is outside of healthcare. This knowledge will come into play (don't lose sight of this) and continue to build on that. Also, stay intellectually curious as everything is very connected. Healthcare is incredibly interdisciplinary and team based. It is always evolving and impacted by the times we are living in. Remain curious, a team player, and strive for excellence in the work you produce because your piece of the healthcare puzzle matters. All of the team's combined efforts are what create an excellent culture that delivers quality patient care.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is bringing together different systems, teams, and stakeholders who often have different priorities and goals. Success depends on strong collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to find common ground that benefits everyone involved. I enjoy serving as the bridge between those groups, helping align objectives, build consensus, and create solutions that drive meaningful results for both organizations and the people they serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are building strong support systems, giving back to others, and committing to lifelong learning. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible network of mentors who have challenged me to grow while encouraging me every step of the way, and I believe those relationships have been instrumental in my success. I strive to pay that support forward by mentoring others and helping them recognize their own potential. One quote that has always guided me is Maya Angelou’s: “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” That philosophy shapes how I lead, how I stay active in my community, and how I approach every opportunity to make a positive impact. I believe passionately in breaking down career barriers so people can bring their professional vision to life. Both in InStride and A.Men Admin, my true joy lies in helping others find success in their God given purpose. I never knew my curiosity and resourcefulness would allow me the opportunity to help others reach new professional milestones, but I am happy to be here and continue being of service.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.