After several months as a freelancer for Smarty Pants, Alejandro became a permanent member of the team in April 2021. He brought skills as a communicator, writer and thinker - and a passion for translating data into meaningful insights. He also brought Spanish language fluency, keen moderating abilities and authentic consumer empathy.

As an Insights Brainiac, Alejandro leverages these assets as he supports Smarty Pants’ largest toy, video game, footwear, retail and healthcare clients. He applies his research savvy and strong EQ to project set-up, fieldwork and report development – from managing remote IDIs, to conducting in-store research across the country, to mining verbatims as he crafts powerful deliverables.    

Prior to Smarty Pants, Alejandro spent six years working in the non-profit sector. His first position was as Individual & Corporate Relations Associate at Chicago House and Social Service Agency, which empowers persons living with or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. In two short years, Alejandro was promoted to Development Coordinator, where he implemented donor strategies and managed agency-wide fundraising campaigns.

After Chicago House, Alejandro became the Marketing & Communications Manager at Esperanza Health Centers, a network of clinics that provides high quality, bilingual primary care and wellness services to individuals regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay. He was responsible for overseeing communications efforts that increased patient population, community partnerships and donor relationships.

His passion for community involvement continues with volunteer experience at organizations like ACT, Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association and Misericordia Home – a Chicago-based organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Did we mention that Alejandro is an incredibly nice guy?)

Alejandro began his undergraduate career at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University. And in true Smarty Pants fashion, he graduated with high honors.

Alejandro resides in Chicago where, in his spare time, he plays recreational sports (basketball or volleyball, anyone?), listens to any hip-hop/R&B music released prior to 2010 and experiences consistent disappointment in Chicago’s professional sports teams.

ahernandez@asksmartypants.com

Fun Facts

  • A proud, first-generation Mexican-American who is fluent in Spanish
  • Crossed “skydiving” off his bucket list and hopes to do the same with bungee jumping
  • Was once flown to New York City to compete in a week-long endurance game show based on the hit TV series, Shameless
  • “Retired” from long-distance running after completing the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with unimpressive results
  • Once consumed a drink infused with tequila and tarantula venom while vacationing in his favorite city in the world, Mexico City