In addition to maintaining academic excellence, Alejandra has been a proud member of the National Honor Society, the Debate Team, and the Varsity Wrestling Team. These experiences have shaped her work ethic and taught her the value of resilience, discipline, and communication—skills that will serve her well as she enters the next phase of her education and career.
When asked what she values most, Alejandra shared: “The values that I live by are trust, honesty and responsibility. This scholarship will help me trust that I will be able to have money to pay for my education. It will also encourage me to live responsibly and teach me to manage my finances better because this is money for my education.”
More Than a Scholarship
Access, exposure, and encouragement are majorly impactful on a student’s future – Alejandra first heard about the Roger Graham Scholarship at her school’s career fair. Her thoughtful response to the application questions demonstrated the kind of drive and perspective that aligns with our mission to support rising talent in manufacturing and the skilled trades.
On the subject of scholarship, Alejandra shared:
“You have to work hard to qualify… Scholarships are only given to those that decide to be the best at what they do and because they took their time to look for ways to better themselves.”
Engineering a Future in Manufacturing
Structural engineering is just one of many career paths in manufacturing that are vital to innovation and infrastructure. At CraneWerks, we’re committed to helping students like Alejandra see a future in these industries—not just as workers, but as leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Her story highlights the importance of investing in education, especially for young women pursuing STEM careers.
Advice for Future Applicants
Alejandra’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Reflecting on her childhood, she shared how frequent moves taught her to adapt, persevere, and find strength in vulnerability:
“Whenever I would get dropped off at the new school, it would be like landing in an alien planet… I soon realized that in order to make friends, I had to put myself out there and stop overthinking situations.”
To future students considering applying for scholarships, Alejandra’s story is a reminder that the time you spend investing in yourself—whether through applications, practice, or persistence—is never wasted.
Congratulations, Alejandra! We can’t wait to see what you build next.
