Department of Economics

Alexandra Woodward

  • Graduated: 2009
  • Field: Government

Alexandra Woodward(opens in new window), who graduated in 2009 with a BA in Economics, is a leadership strategist at the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries(opens in new window) in Seattle, Washington.

 After graduation from Chico, she joined Peace Corps(opens in new window) and spent more than two years in Ethiopia(opens in new window) where she was a conservation and natural resource specialist. Alexandra worked with other volunteers and non-governmental organizations to assess needs and improve economic opportunities through entrepreneurial activities in the local Ethiopian communities. This position gave her the opportunity to apply the economic development theories and tools she learned at Chico State. She also taught English and worked with Ethiopians to develop environmental programs.

After leaving Peace Corps in 2013, Alexandra taught English as a second language in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In 2014 she worked as a project manager for Elevation Web(opens in new window) in Buenos Aires where she worked with multiple non-profit websites.

In May 2015 Alexandra accepted a job as an account manager and recruiter for Express Employment Professionals(opens in new window), in Spokane, Washington. She helped businesses find and hire employees starting with job interviews, test administration, skills evaluation, and culminating in performance assessment. 

In 2016 Alexandra enrolled at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance(opens in new window). While attending the University of Washington, Alexandra worked as a Peace Corps strategic recruiter from 2016 to 2017.  In the summer of 2017, she accepted a job as administrator of Finance and Business Operations for King County, Washington.  She earned her MPA from the University of Washington in 2018. 

In the fall of 2018 Alexandra accepted a position with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries where she is currently working.  She provides “research, analysis, recommendations, and strategic advice for successful completion of key agency objectives,” according to her LinkedIn(opens in new window) page. 

Since graduating from Chico State, Alexandra has taken the opportunity to apply the tools of economic analysis in Peace Corps where she helped local communities find entrepreneurial opportunities and in her present position in Spokane where she helps employers and employees find the correct match of skills.

In a recent email Alexandra stated that, "I am so thankful to have been part of CSU Economics. It has helped me many times in the last six years, and I am sure will continue to help me as I grow into my career." She added, "The Chico State Economics Club was such a great experience for me." (Last Updated 8/3/19)
Portrait of Alexandra Woodward