Meet Alexandra Renteria, Grad Student, SGA President, Emerging Leader

To say Alexandra Renteria is an overachiever is an understatement.

The 24-year-old UNT Dallas graduate student will receive her Master of Science in Public Leadership degree in December 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government and Business Foundations in May 2021, graduating with cum laude honors – having been on the Dean’s List every semester of her time as an undergraduate. “My years at UNT Dallas have profoundly shaped the trajectory of my life,” Renteria said. “Because the university is deeply integrated into the community, I have had countless opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.”

Immersed in Government, On Campus and Off

Alex, as she is known, currently serves as president of the UNT Dallas Student Government Association (SGA) while working full-time as a legislative and public policy liaison at the City of Dallas. “Balancing my responsibilities requires careful time management, prioritization, and clear communication," Renteria explained. “Maintaining my mental and physical health is also a priority.”

Another priority is representing her fellow students to the university administration in her role as SGA President. With so much happening on campus, such as new buildings, programs and partnerships, Renteria believes it is important their voices are taken seriously. “I wanted students to feel heard and know that their opinions and feedback truly mattered,” Renteria said. “My team regularly meets with members of the President’s cabinet to provide student feedback on key university initiatives.”

Emerging Leader

Leadership and advocacy are a common theme among Renteria’s activities. “My most memorable moment at UNT Dallas was attending the IGNITE Leadership Retreat,” said Renteria. “I met some of my closest friends and took a significant step in my personal growth. It was one of the first times I truly explored self-discovery and realized the power I had to shape my own journey.”

Recently, Renteria was accepted into the Callejo-Botello Latino Leadership Academy in Dallas. The nonprofit organization cultivates emerging leaders and enables them to bring fresh ideas and positive change to the Latino community. She received the 2025 Student Leadership Award from Campus Compact. It recognizes students who demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities through civic and community engagement.

Also, Renteria was named a Newman Civic Fellow for the 2024-25 academic year. Newman Fellows participate in a year-long program that supports student problem solvers and provides opportunities to nurture their assets and develop strategies for social change.

College presidents and chancellors nominate Newman Fellows based on their potential for public leadership and commitment to their communities. “Alexandra has championed marginalized communities, notably the Latino population, through engaging diverse stakeholders,” said the former UNT Dallas President Bob Mong, who nominated her. “Alexandra's academic achievements, professional acumen, and dedication to equity and inclusion mark her as a dynamic leader poised to enact lasting change,” his letter stated.

Even her family life helped Renteria develop important skills and abilities, always encouraged by her parents. “Education has always been a top priority in my family, and they have supported me throughout my college journey,” said Renteria. “As the oldest of four sisters, I feel a sense of responsibility to keep pushing forward. I am the first in my family to hold a "white-collar" job, and now, three of us are enrolled in university. It is exciting to see what the future holds and how we can support our hardworking parents in return.”

Learning Government, Helping Others

Renteria’s desire to help others, especially those less fortunate and with less access to resources, goes back years. She was born in Mexico City and grew up in Arlington, TX. Renteria attended Arlington Collegiate High School, where she received dual credit for college courses. Then, she earned her Associate of Arts degree at Tarrant Community College before enrolling at UNT Dallas in 2019 to finish her undergraduate education. “I always wanted to learn how laws and policy work,” Renteria remembered. “I’m trying to learn as much as possible so I can elevate my community.”

Being a DACA recipient, Renteria is keenly aware of immigration and education-related issues. It gives her a unique perspective on the needs of her community and inspires her to serve them through city government.

She started doing just that in her first role with the City of Dallas as a Community Relations assistant for District 8 Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins. Renteria expanded the number of people Atkins’ office reached and assisted. “We helped families get connected and get services,” she said, especially in the months following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advocate for the Community

Now working in the city’s Government Affairs Department, Renteria sees fewer residents in person while playing a larger role behind the scenes, collaborating with lawmakers and state and federal government employees. 

At a time when the role of government is in the spotlight nationally – and locally – and many people have concerns about politics and elected officials – Renteria is committed to making a positive difference. “The best thing is to provide resources and accurate information,” Renteria said. “As a dedicated advocate for equity, my focus has been on addressing inequalities within the Latino community in Dallas through collaborative approaches,” she said.

Renteria’s original dream job was an immigration attorney. Now, though, she envisions a career as a lobbyist, with her own firm. Until then, she plans to continue her education and is exploring doctoral programs for a PhD in Public Affairs. She wants to “stay in the legislative realm.”

Advice for Others

As she contemplates her next steps, Renteria shares powerful advice for prospective UNT Dallas students. “College can be life-changing. A degree opens doors, so it’s important to maximize the resources and support systems available,” she said. “Enjoy the journey but be intentional with your time.”

On May 13, Renteria will join hundreds of her classmates as they cross the Commencement stage at the Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, TX. She has an important message for any students who follow in her footsteps. “UNT Dallas is a hidden gem in our city, offering a strong academic foundation and affordable education,” Renteria said. “There is a place for everyone to thrive here.”