Fellow Highlights

Not On My Resume: Alexandra Villarreal O’Rourke

August 17, 2022

Alexandra Villarreal O’Rourke is a 2004 Fellow and AI startup founder, advisor, and investor. Previously, she led the legal work for Bank of America’s digital team. She lives with her husband and three daughters in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Why did you (or your family) come to America?
I grew up in Mexico City, and my mom worked for the government. She did some anti-corruption work that led to her being kidnapped twice. After the second time, they tried to come for me. Within months we moved to Texas, where her long-time partner (whom she ultimately married) lived.

Which living New American do you most admire?
Isabel Allende. I admire her for helping make Latin American literature in general and magical realism in particular more accessible and wide-reaching.

What is your current state of mind?
Hopeful. I know things seem to be going downhill in our country in a lot of ways, but I’m lucky in that I get to see my teen’s generation up close. I can happily report that help is definitely on the way. Their kindness and fearlessness is inspiring.

When was the last time you felt imposter syndrome?
When I became a parent. I couldn’t believe I was expected to figure out how raise a good human from scratch. It’s worked out surprisingly ok so far (knock on wood).

What is your greatest fear?
Becoming cynical.

If you could change careers and do anything, what would it be?
I love what I do. I sometimes wish I hadn’t let one bad chem class talk me out of being a doctor, but I think I ended up where I belong

What is your idea of a good life?
A life full of love, connection, and constant discovery.

What is the one habit that you can’t live without?
Waking up an hour before everyone in my house to just exist by myself in the quiet. The introvert in me needs that time to fuel the extrovert in me throughout the day.

What one piece of advice do you live by?
Gratitude is the single best perspective-fixer. The more you take time to notice what you’re grateful for, the less you will dwell on things that don’t actually matter.

Who or what makes your heart beat faster when you think about them/it?
My husband, Allen. He is my biggest cheerleader and the most positive, selfless person I’ve ever met.

This interview was originally published in the July, 2022 issue of The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships’ monthly Distance Traveled newsletter. Sign up to receive the latest issue here. ∎