Alejandra Castillo Helps Illuminate the Ecosystem Behind Economic Development Planning

Alejandra Y. Castillo joined Purdue University Northwest in January 2025 as the university’s Senior Fellow for Economic Development.

As a distinguished and experienced leader with over two decades of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, she is fulfilling a key role for PNW as the university continues to deliver innovation and community development for the Northwest Indiana and Chicago regions.

At PNW, Castillo is integrally involved with the launch of the Roberts Impact Lab, a planned commercialization center and regional hub for business growth, featuring PNW’s quantum computing lab. The Roberts Impact Lab will be a centerpiece of downtown Hammond, Indiana’s innovation district.

Castillo will also work closely with students, faculty and staff in PNW’s College of Business through seminars, addressing topics such as the intersections of economic development, regional competitiveness and national security for the greater south shore region’s role with quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

What does the term ‘economic development’ mean?

“Economic development is the discipline that captures the human experience of economic opportunities and the ecosystem that either supports or obstructs the ability to provide ladders of economic growth for a geographical location. When you look at it more broadly, it is the economic dynamism that fuels America.

I am originally from the East Coast, and this is my first time living in the ‘heartland.’ When we say the word, ‘heartland,’ it connotes the image of what makes the country beat. This region powered the country throughout the first industrial revolution, whether it was coal, steel, electricity or manufacturing. But now, as we contend with the fourth industrial revolution, we must consider the type of investments we must make in developing talent, next generation technology, a robust innovation and start-up ecosystems of entrepreneurs, as well as addressing the supply chain needs to power the new industries of the future.

The question we must answer is, how do we invest in the ‘heartland’ to leverage its many assets and resources as a starting point to reimagine the next iteration of the U.S. economy and its global competitiveness? My job is to ensure that I have an engagement strategy that gives space to the many important voices of our campus community and ensure that we have the buy-in and engagement to make this a thriving region of economic opportunities.

When I talk about economic development, it is not just about jobs and opportunities. It is about how we engage every member of our society in a way that makes them feel like they are contributors and more importantly architects of what is possible in their communities

I usually say economic development is not linear. It is an ecosystem. If a production plant shuts down and lays off people, small businesses disappear, for example, and then there is less capital circulating in a community. How do you reverse that?

Thus, economic development drives opportunities to draw people in, contribute, have a career, and provide for themselves and loved ones. It can be created in different waves. It must consider all the areas that touch a person’s day-to-day lived experience.  From transportation, job creation, childcare, healthcare, public safety, small and midsize business development, tech start-ups and existing businesses, as well as climate resiliency and so much more.”

What stands out to you about our region and university?

“For me, the answers were very evident. There is something unique happening in this region. It may not be entirely visible to the ready eye, but it is going on. PNW is at the crux of geography and demography, and I believe opportunities are tied to places and people. You are close to the epicenter of technological change in terms of quantum computing, microelectronics and more. At PNW, initiatives such as the Roberts Impact Lab will seize on opportunities that translate that technology into transformative change and jobs.

PNW is a very student-centric space, which is important to me. It has a large percentage of first-generation college students. It has leadership that is looking beyond today and toward the future. There is such great energy and commitment to the students and exposure to a talented pool of faculty and researchers that are at the forefront of the challenging questions that will shape our economy and the future of our nation.”

As a first-generation college graduate, what do you want PNW students to keep in mind for their academic and professional careers?

“If I were to stand in their shoes as undergrads, I would say what has shaped me in my professional life is the care and attention of incredible teachers and professors. Even 35 years later, I am still in touch with many of them. I invite students to think about the quality of their relationships; how they engage with each other and their professors and mentors in ways that leads to authentic friendships.  Relationships at this stage of their lives can evolve into mentorship and friendship that will support you through this journey we call life.

Furthermore, I am always curious about people’s lived experiences, about who they are and the experiences of their ancestors. I believe we are the product of not just who we are today but also what and who made us. I am attentive to the people, experiences and values that shape us and gives us agency. I believe you should have a room of many voices to truly capture the essence of the human experience.

My parents were from the Dominican Republic, I grew up in New York City and my career developed in Washington, D.C. If I only saw the rest of the world based on my experience, I would not be a good public policy maker or public servant. I need to absorb as much of the different experiences and perspectives as possible so that when I am entrusted with thinking of policies to solve challenges from Hammond, Indiana to Ottumwa, Iowa, that I can do it in a fair and balanced way. I believe I have to give space and agency to as many voices as possible. One of my primary responsibilities is to help others so they do not have to go through the challenges and hurdles that I had to.”

What is something people may not know about you?

“I have led a very public life, and yet I am an introvert.  This is something that surprises people who meet me.  In addition, I love to dance and I love music. While I do not play any instrument, I love all types of music. It feeds my soul. I need to listen to fado from Portugal; plena from Puerto Rico; merengue and bachata from the Dominican Republic; or country and blues from the Appalachia region or southwest U.S. I need music from all over the world. I believe in the power of music to heal, to inspire and to unite people regardless of geography. If anyone has a playlist they want to share, please let me know!”