Alexandra is a student at Cal Maritime pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine transportation and a Third Mate Unlimited License with the United States Coast Guard. As a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, she has faced—and overcome—her share of isolation and inequity. Whenever she isn’t deck-handing or in class, Alexandra can be found working as a student supervisor in the university’s Human Resources department or helping fellow students by hemming their uniforms and trimming their hair. This fall she received the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the highest student distinction within the university. “I’m so incredibly grateful,” Alexandra says. “I feel there’s no better way to exhibit leadership than by demonstrating an ability to work effectively with others.” She is looking forward to sailing with her Third Mate’s License as soon as she graduates and hopes to eventually earn an Unlimited Tonnage Captain’s License.