Eric Alejandro Buenrostro

Eric is a passionate public service leader with a strong background in nonprofit management and community involvement. As the Founding Executive Director of Higher Education for All (HEFA), he led efforts to break down systemic barriers in the U.S. educational system, increasing access to higher education for low-income first-generation students. Founded in 2020, HEFA connects high school and community college students from underrepresented communities with mentors, focusing on first-generation college students, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds. Eric has also jumpstarted projects such as The Hayward Resource bank and has volunteered with nonprofits such as The Puente Project.

Having graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Eric is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Southern California. His graduate studies deepen his expertise in creating impactful programs for underserved communities, furthering his commitment to addressing social injustices. A first-generation Mexican American, Eric’s dedication to public service is shaped by his own experiences with educational inequities and his passion for supporting low-income and immigrant communities. With a foundation in community development and social justice, Eric brings both personal and professional insight to his work, advocating for equitable access to education and more opportunities for all.