PNW Taps Castillo to Launch Innovation Hub, Roberts Impact Lab, in Hammond

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Joins PNW to Drive Regional Growth

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has appointed Alejandra Y. Castillo as Senior Fellow for Economic Development. Castillo, a respected leader in federal economic development, will use her expertise to drive economic growth, innovation, and community development at PNW and across the Northwest Indiana and Chicago regions. Castillo holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from SUNY Stony Brook, an M.A. in Public Policy from the Lydon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, and a J.D. from American University. She is involved in the Hispanic National Bar Association, the American Constitution Society, and the Council on Foreign Relations. Castillo began her role at PNW on January 6, reporting directly to Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford.

Castillo brings over 20 years of public service and nonprofit leadership. As the 23rd U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, she led the Economic Development Administration (EDA), distributing over $6.8 billion for more than 800 projects, creating or retaining 700,000 jobs, and promoting economic growth in workforce development, technology, innovation, and disaster recovery.PNW Chancellor Holford welcomed Castillo's appointment, highlighting her expertise as a significant boost to the university and the South Shore region, positively impacting students, faculty, staff, and the community.

At Purdue University Northwest (PNW), Castillo will focus on advancing economic engagement and development through the College of Business. She will teach seminars on economic growth and support initiatives to enhance the region's competitiveness. Castillo will also play a pivotal role in launching the Roberts Impact Lab, an innovation hub in downtown Hammond, designed to serve as a centre for collaborative problem-solving on regional and global challenges.

Castillo expressed excitement about joining PNW as the Chancellor’s Senior Fellow for Economic Development. She highlighted her commitment to applying her experience in initiatives like the American Rescue Plan and Tech Hubs to create sustainable economic opportunities, support regional businesses, and prepare future leaders. Castillo’s appointment aligns with PNW’s focus on regional development and innovation. As a member of the Greater South Shore Steering Committee, she will advise on strategies to drive economic growth in the area, benefiting PNW students and faculty through research and community engagement initiatives.

PNW aims to leverage Castillo's expertise in economic disaster recovery, workforce development, and tech innovation to advance its mission of transforming lives through education and community engagement. Recently, she was appointed a Fall 2024 Institute of Politics Fellow at Harvard's Kennedy School, focusing on the intersection of democracy, national security, and technological advancement. Castillo’s appointment marks a significant step in Purdue University Northwest’s commitment to driving economic growth, innovation, and community development in the region.
 

Editor's Note:

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is excited to announce the appointment of Alejandra Y. Castillo as Senior Fellow for Economic Development. With more than two decades of leadership in public service and federal economic development, Castillo brings invaluable expertise that will support PNW’s mission to drive innovation, economic growth, and community development in Northwest Indiana and the wider Chicago region. Her role will be crucial in advancing initiatives that boost regional competitiveness, support workforce development, and prepare the next generation of leaders. 

Skoobuzz looks forward to the positive impact this new appointment will have.