Alejandra Y. Castillo
Alejandra Y. Castillo | |
|---|---|
| Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development | |
| In office 2021–2024 | |
| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Dennis Alvord (acting) |
| Succeeded by | TBD |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Stony Brook University (BA) University of Texas at Austin (MPP) American University (JD) |
Alejandra Y. Castillo is an American attorney, nonprofit executive, and public servant who served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development in the United States Department of Commerce from 2021 to 2024.[1] She is known for her work in economic policy, minority business development, and gender equity advocacy. Castillo has also held leadership roles as CEO of YWCA USA and Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).[2] She has been the subject of interviews and coverage in publications including Harvard Political Review and Diario Libre.
Early life and education
Castillo was born in Queens, New York, to parents from the Dominican Republic. She earned a BA in Economics and Political Science from Stony Brook University, an MPP from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and a JD from American University Washington College of Law.[3]
Career
Early public service
Castillo began her career in Washington, D.C., including roles as a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Fellow and work with the office of Senator Edward Kennedy.
She later served as a policy analyst at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy during the Clinton administration.
Following her White House service, Castillo earned a Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law and worked in private practice, including matters related to international business and regulatory compliance. She later served in advisory roles within the U.S. Department of Commerce, including the International Trade Administration.
Minority Business Development Agency
Castillo was appointed National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) by President Barack Obama, becoming the first Hispanic woman to lead the agency.[2]
During her tenure, the agency supported minority-owned businesses through access to contracts, capital, and global market opportunities.[2]
YWCA USA
From 2017 to 2021, Castillo served as chief executive officer of YWCA USA, a national nonprofit organization focused on eliminating racism and empowering women. As CEO of YWCA USA, Castillo advocated for policies addressing economic disparities affecting women, including workforce impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, she led national initiatives related to civic engagement, economic opportunity, and gender equity. She also oversaw organizational fundraising and program expansion across a network of local associations.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce
In 2021, Castillo was appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.[1]
She was the first woman of color to serve as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. In this role, she led the Economic Development Administration (EDA), overseeing federal investments in economic development, workforce initiatives, and regional innovation programs under legislation including the American Rescue Plan Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.[1]
Her work at the EDA has been discussed in publications such as Harvard Political Review, which highlighted her approach to inclusive economic policy.[4]
Other roles
Castillo later served as a Resident Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics.[5]
She has also held academic and advisory roles. In 2025, Castillo was appointed Chancellor's Senior Fellow for Economic Development at Purdue University Northwest.[6]
Castillo is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.[7]
Castillo has also worked in private legal practice, including international business and regulatory matters.
Public profile
Castillo has testified before the United States Congress on issues related to economic development and workforce policy.[2]
Castillo has been cited or interviewed in national media outlets on topics including economic policy, nonprofit leadership, and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her work and perspectives have been cited in outlets such as NBC News, Reuters, and HuffPost.[8][9][10]
Personal life
Castillo was born in Queens, New York, to Dominican immigrant parents. Castillo spent part of her childhood in the Dominican Republic before returning to the United States for her education. [11]
She is fluent in English and Spanish and has also studied Portuguese. She has spoken on issues related to immigrant identity, leadership, and economic development.[5]
Awards and recognition
Castillo has received recognition from civic and professional organizations for her work in public service and economic development.
- Federal Leadership in Economic Development Award, International Economic Development Council.[12]
- National Public Service Award, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
- Alumni of the Year Award, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin.
- Hispanic Heritage Award, Hispanic Heritage Foundation.
- Women of Power Award, National Urban League.
- Advocate of the Year Award, U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce.
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Alejandra Castillo – Economic Development Administration". EDA.gov. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Testimony of Alejandra Y. Castillo" (PDF). Congress.gov. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
- ↑ "Alejandra Castillo, la dominicana que gestiona el desarrollo económico de los Estados Unidos". Diario Libre. 2023-11-17.
- ↑ "Equity as an Economic Catalyst: An Interview with Alejandra Castillo". Harvard Political Review. 2024-11-14.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Alejandra Castillo". Harvard Institute of Politics. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
- ↑ "Alejandra Y. Castillo named Chancellor's Senior Fellow". Purdue University Northwest. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
- ↑ "Membership". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2026-03-20.
- ↑ "Police see rise in domestic violence calls amid coronavirus lockdowns". NBC News. 2020-04-02.
- ↑ "U.S. nonprofits scramble for loans as need jumps, funds disappear". Reuters. 2020-04-29.
- ↑ "Empty hotel rooms provide safe haven for domestic violence survivors during the pandemic". HuffPost. 2020-04-26.
- ↑ "Alejandra Castillo, la dominicana que gestiona el desarrollo económico de los Estados Unidos". Diario Libre. 2023-11-17.
- ↑ "Alejandra Castillo Receives Award". International Economic Development Council. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
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