Alejandra Piers-Torres is a first-generation Cuban-Chicagoan, daughter and granddaughter of immigrants who has spent her career in social impact focused on improving the quality of life in cities. Being born and raised in Chicago had a profound impact on Alejandra’s passion for urban life and understanding of its disparities.
Alejandra drew inspiration early on from her parents who worked for Mayor Harold Washington, a progressive leader with a multiracial coalition that created opportunities for groups that have been historically under-resourced. She is proud to have worked on city projects that bring free cultural programming and recreation to all Chicagoans, including her first college internship with the Department of Cultural Affairs, working on Chicago SummerDance and later serving as a lead project manager for the community engagement process of The 606 on the Bloomingdale Trail.
Alejandra went on to serve in the executive office of the Chicago Park District, one of the largest urban park systems in the nation. In this role, she managed strategic projects and liaised with the Mayor’s Office on citywide initiatives related to youth programming, workforce development, and public safety.
Alejandra currently works for the National League of Cities (NLC) as a Member Engagement Manager, where she connects city governments to federal advocacy, leadership development, technical assistance, public/private partnerships, and more. She previously managed NLC’s constituency groups, helping to support BIPOC and LGBTQ+ local elected officials nationwide.
Alejandra earned a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHCI) Public Policy Fellowship, City of Chicago Mayoral Fellowship, and Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) Líderes Fellowship. She lives with her husband Matthew and their young daughter, Havana.
Words of Wisdom: “In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction.”-Audre Lorde
