Meet our first scholarship recipient

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We are thrilled to share that we have selected our first scholarship recipient, Alejandra Hurtado from Lima, Peru! Alejandra will be attending Boston University's Questrom School of Business beginning this fall to receive a Masters of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA).

“Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a responsibility. I hope to honor the Foundation's investment through my work and help demonstrate the impact that investing in students can create. I also hope this is only the beginning, that many more women will have the opportunity to pursue advanced education and use it to create meaningful change in their communities,” said Ms. Hurtado. 

“We are thrilled to award our first scholarship to Alejandra as she seeks to pursue higher education in STEM. Her experience and passion as well as her focus on advancing her education makes her a perfect candidate for this award, and we are looking forward to watching her continue both her academic and professional growth in the years to come,” said Guillermo Guzman-Barron, one of the foundation’s Directors.  

With a background in Business Engineering and professional experience in pricing and revenue management, Alejandra is committed to helping organizations make better decisions through the effective use of data. Growing up and working in Peru, she witnessed firsthand how critical decisions are often made under uncertainty, despite increasing access to information and technology. This experience sparked a passion for designing systems that transform data and analytical models into practical, reliable tools for decision-making.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Alejandra has focused on bridging the gap between analytics and real-world implementation. Rather than viewing data science as an end in itself, she is dedicated to building robust, scalable decision systems that integrate data, technology, and continuous learning. Her long-term goal is to return to Peru and lead analytics-driven transformation initiatives that strengthen organizations, improve efficiency, and expand access to opportunities. By combining technical excellence with a commitment to social impact, Alejandra aims to contribute to a future where institutions are more resilient, decisions are more informed, and growth is more sustainable and inclusive.

Alejandra approaches every opportunity with determination, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose. Shaped by personal challenges, a strong commitment to family, and a passion for continuous learning, she has built her path on resilience, hard work, and a belief in creating meaningful impact. As she prepares for the next stage of her academic and professional journey, Alejandra remains focused on using her skills and experiences to help organizations make better decisions, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for others. In her own words, she shares the experiences, values, and aspirations that continue to guide her journey.

"To me, engineering is about designing systems that solve real problems. Throughout my career, I realized that organizations often have access to data, but struggle to transform it into consistent, long-term decisions. Pursuing an advanced degree will give me the technical depth and systems perspective to help bridge that gap. My goal is to return to Peru and contribute to building organizations where data is not simply collected, but becomes part of how better decisions are made every day, " she said.

"I’ve always been someone who embraces challenges. Whether it was staying in Peru while my family moved abroad, managing a kidney condition from an early age, or learning important lessons from opportunities that shaped me, each experience reinforced my belief that growth comes from discipline, perseverance, and making the most of every opportunity. I truly believe that every opportunity comes with the responsibility to give it your very best."

"As I begin this next chapter, I hope to continue developing the skills that will allow me to create greater impact through the work I do. More importantly, I hope to honor every opportunity I’ve been given by using what I learn to strengthen organizations in Peru and contribute to a future where better decisions create better opportunities for more people."

Outside of her professional pursuits, Alejandra is deeply family-oriented, making her upcoming move from Peru both exciting and bittersweet as she prepares to spend time away from the people who matter most to her. She enjoys traveling, dancing, practicing Pilates, and exploring new restaurants, and is especially drawn to activities that challenge her intellectually, such as jigsaw puzzles and escape rooms. Naturally curious and driven by a love of learning, Alejandra continually seeks new experiences and opportunities that encourage personal growth and broaden her perspective.

Congratulations to Alejandra, and all the best on this exciting new chapter!