ALEX Figueroa
29 | Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | CAG Project Supervisor & Care Coordinator, Blueprint
Residence: Bennington
Career highlight(s): The career highlights I am most proud of is being the first in my immediate family to obtain a Bachelor's and Master's degree. Second, I am proud of being apart of a community that is collaborative, gritty and want to "get things done". Lastly, I am proud of being nominated and chosen for the 2020 Southern Vermont's Emerging Leader award and Vermont's 40under40 Rising Star class of 2020.
Community Involvement:
My community involvement includes:
-Green Mountain Community Network-Board Member
-Berkshire Family & Individual Resources- Board Member and Chair of Advocacy Committee
-Shires Young Professionals-Chairperson
-Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce-Board member (SYP representative).
-Vermont's Futures Project YP Advisory Council
-Bennington Community Collaborative
-Bennington's Opioid Response team (& Behavioral Health Subcommittee, Youth Subcommittee).
-SVHC Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
-Mission City Church-Active Member.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? I was motivated to live and work in Vermont because of the people and how beautiful our region is. There is a ton of opportunity to get involved, network, volunteer, join a board/committee etc.. There is something here for everybody.
Favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is collaborating with other community members & stakeholders within Bennington County. The work we do is not easy, but what makes it special is everyone has the passion to make a difference and to see lives change throughout our region.
Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is a tough question to answer. Professionally- I did not have a mentor until I moved to Bennington. Since then I've been fortunate to have a hand full of leaders invest their time, energy & knowledge and put me in positions to succeed and continue to make a difference in our community. I give thanks to Mike Nigro, Matt Harrington, Kristi Cross, Jim Trimarchi & Pastor Jake Stone.
What is the best career advice you have received? Put people first.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I wouldn't call this fun, but it's something many people do not know. When I was 17 (turning 18) I ended up having a lobectomy (lung Surgery) on my right side. When people ask why I got my lung removed - It is a very complicated answer, but if anyone wants to see pictures of what it looked like before the surgery I will be happy to share it with them.
What three words best describe you: Three words that best describe me are Integrity, Driven, & Compassionate.
Favorite Super Hero and why: My favorite super hero is Superman. He is the strongest Superhero in the universe.