Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera

Alejandro was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in New Mexico. He is honored to serve as the Associate Director of El Centro because, as an undocumented undergraduate at UNM, it is where he found community and support. At El Centro, he discovered his passion for working in higher education and advocating for student success. He is proud UNM alumnus with a bachelor's degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish, he has dedicated his career to advancing educational access and student success through culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and undergraduate research. His co-authored scholarship on El Puente Research Fellowship explores how convivencia fosters supportive educational environments for first-generation, working-class students. Alejandro remains committed to cultivating a sense of belonging and ensuring students have the support and opportunities to thrive throughout their educational journeys.