Stanislaus State became a place where resilience, opportunity and purpose came together for Alejandra Pulido-Gonzalez.
Raised in Atwater by a single mother in a low-income household, Pulido-Gonzalez arrived at Stan State determined to create a better future for herself and the communities that shaped her. Majoring in public health promotion with a minor in medical anthropology, she embraced opportunities that pushed her beyond her comfort zone while building meaningful connections with mentors and peers.
“I chose Stanislaus State because it felt like a community-centered environment where I could grow academically while staying connected to the Central Valley communities that shaped me,” Pulido-Gonzalez said.
Her involvement in the Student Health Advisory Committee and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs helped shape both her professional goals and passion for advocacy. She also earned recognition for her research examining healthcare access and discrimination among university students, later advancing to the statewide student research competition.
When nominating her as a Stan Grad, Presidential Operations Specialist Belén Lopez, praised Pulido-Gonzalez for balancing research, leadership and service while maintaining honor student status.
“Alejandra’s passion for public health is evident in everything she does,” Lopez wrote. “She is incredibly dedicated and has played a crucial role in supporting research initiatives and student wellness efforts on campus.”
Pulido-Gonzalez credits Assistant Professor David Veloz for encouraging her growth and helping her understand the importance of advocacy, compassion and critical thinking in public health.
Her college journey included setbacks and challenges balancing school, work and family responsibilities. Instead of discouraging her, those experiences strengthened her confidence and perseverance.
“Education is a powerful tool for creating change,” Pulido-Gonzalez said. “The knowledge and experiences I gained at Stan State are something that will always stay with me.”
After graduation, she plans to become a community health worker while eventually earning a master’s degree in public health focused on improving access to care and health literacy throughout underserved communities.
#StanGrad File
Name
Alejandra Pulido-Gonzalez
Hometown
Atwater, CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Promotion, Minor in Medical Anthropology
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“Some of the memories that stand out most from my time at Stanislaus State are the opportunities I had to build meaningful connections with classmates, professors, and mentors while learning more about public health and health disparities. Being involved in the Student Health Advisory Committee was especially meaningful because it allowed me to contribute to conversations surrounding student health and wellness on campus. I also value my experiences working on campus at the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, as they were the foundation for me to grow professionally.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Dr. David Veloz had the greatest impact on me through his encouragement and mentorship. He emphasized the importance of advocacy, critical thinking and compassion in public health.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Everyone faces challenges that may not always be visible, and setbacks do not define your potential. I would advise always asking for help, building connections with professors and peers, and taking advantage of opportunities even if they seem intimidating at first. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, and persistence matters more than perfection.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2026. Read more StanGrad profiles.