Alexa

My name is Alexa, and I was born in Phoenix, Arizona but I was raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, a small town across the border and moved to Tucson as a 16 year old teen, carrying with me both responsibility and resilience. As the eldest in my family, I learned early how to create stability and to believe in the power of community support. Those lessons, combined with my love for heritage and culture, shaped the foundation of who I am and why I do the work I do today.

I founded Adela Artisan during my last year at the University of Arizona where I was studying business. What began as a small idea grew into a heartfelt business that partners with multi-generational artisan families across Mexico. Together, we design handcrafted purses, accessories, home goods, and clothing that honor traditional techniques and preserve cultural heritage. For me, every piece is more than a product; it is a story, a bridge between Tucson and Mexico, between tradition and innovation, between artisans and the communities that celebrate their work.

Beyond my business, I’ve dedicated myself to expanding access to capital and supporting entrepreneurs through my work in several nonprofits deploying grants, resources and capital to small businesses. I am passionate about inclusion, equity, and creating opportunities for women-owned and underrepresented businesses, because I know firsthand how life-changing those resources can be.

I also bring this mission to life through the cultural events and festivals I get hired to organize which celebrate music, dance, and tradition while creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. For me, community is everything. My business, my work, and my events are all rooted in the same belief: when we honor our roots and uplift one another, we all thrive.