Alejandro Macias (’01, ’03, ’06)
Chair, Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Network
Principal, Manual Arts High School
Los Angeles, CA
Alejandro Macias is a Principal at Manual Arts High School. He is a first-generation college graduate who, inspired by his immigrant parents’ sacrifice and determination, went on to pursue higher education. He holds three degrees from California State University, Los Angeles. In 2001, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, received his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2003 and his second master’s degree in Educational Administration in 2006.
Alejandro believes education and empowering community helps connect us for success. Since graduating from Cal State LA, he has devoted his career to working with public school children to help them reach their highest potential by addressing equity issues and closing achievement gaps. His progressive experience as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and now principal changed the narrative from “those kids can’t achieve” to “those kids can achieve.” He has a proven track record in effectively increasing both eligibility and graduation rates from high school to four-year institutions, and was a key driver in helping the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School win the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools High School of the Year for Community and Family Engagement Award four years in a row and the Parent College Pride School of the Year.
As Chair of the Chicanx Latinx University Alumni Network, Alejandro’s aims to support the Chicanx and Latinx community through shared learning, inclusivity, and elevation of our collective strengths.