Five-Minute Feature: Alejandro Galindo, Assistant Director for Corporate Partnerships
Get to know the Empire State University community through this rapid-fire interview series that bridges professional accomplishments and personal interests. What makes Empire State University exceptional? The unique people behind the work. Five minutes—starting now!
What led you to your career path?
My career in higher education began out of a desire to replicate the support I received as an undergraduate student. The admissions team at my alma mater was instrumental in my transfer process as I moved from Guatemala to NYC, and their personalized assistance showed me the potential for institutions to profoundly impact individual lives. I was motivated to become that same source of support for others. I began working in admissions that same year and have since had different roles advancing the promise of higher education. I’ve enjoyed direct contact with students as an instructor or advisor and the behind-the-scenes work supporting the systems that maintain universities running.
What is your favorite thing about SUNY Empire?
My favorite aspect of Empire is its profound commitment to recognizing and valuing the full humanity of every learner, drawing from their diverse experiences beyond the classroom. This means actively seeking out their real-world experiences, be it from work, military service, volunteering, or independent study, and intentionally crafting pathways to convert that learning into academic credit—making space for the full humanity of our students. Our policies and culture do not just open doors, but meet students where they are, allowing their lived experiences to accelerate and enrich their degree journeys.
What’s one moment in your career you’re especially proud of?
Some of my proudest moments stem from serving as a mentor for five years at Empire. This past spring term, I had the privilege of congratulating my final mentee on earning his bachelor’s degree. The path to his degree was challenging; over several years, he balanced a heavy course load, earned multiple allied health licenses and got credit for them, raised two children, and had to stop enrollments because of work for two semesters. My role was to offer consistent encouragement and guidance. While his success was driven by his immense hard work, my role was to serve as a voice of support, helping him navigate challenges and find a way forward, and stay focused on his long-term goals. The most rewarding outcome was seeing his journey culminate in a bachelor’s degree and the pride it brought to his family as he became a first-generation graduate. This solidified my commitment to higher education and reinforced my passion for empowering students to overcome personal and academic hurdles to achieve their goals.
If you could swap lives with a celebrity for a week, who would you choose?
For a week, I would swap lives with the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. My interest goes beyond his fame. It is about his extraordinary artistry and profound connection to the music. As a former cello student, I’ve always admired his career and the way he communicates through his instrument. For a week, I would love to experience that level of mastery and simply enjoy the music from his unique perspective, without the pressure of his public performances.
What’s a book, movie, or show you’ve recently enjoyed—and why?
This summer, I read “First, Break All the Rules”, by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman, that explores how exceptional leaders diverge from traditional management techniques. The book is based on extensive research by Gallup and highlights the importance of rejecting conventional wisdom to focus on what truly drives organizational success. It was especially enjoyable and thought-provoking as it made me reflect on effective leaders I’ve known (and work with) and consider how to better apply those principles in my own professional role.