Alejandra Mendoza Alcántara

Policy Design and Evaluation Lead

Monash University Sustainable Development Institute

Alejandra is an economist with extensive experience in the analysis and evaluation of public policies across diverse areas, including international development, economic development, entrepreneurship, and international trade. At MSDI, she leads and contributes to research projects on a wide range of policy issues, applying mixed-methods approaches with a strong quantitative focus. She also supports public servants and organisations by advising on and building capability in evaluation tools and methodologies for policy and program design – promoting more innovative, participatory, and evidence-informed policymaking.

Before joining MSDI, Alejandra worked for six years at the World Bank’s Competitiveness Policy Evaluation Lab in Washington D.C., leading the design and implementation of impact evaluations in developing countries and working closely with researchers, policymakers, and other partners to support policy decisions with rigorous yet practical evidence.

Over her career, Alejandra has worked with senior decision-makers across government, NGOs, and the private sector to leverage data insights, stakeholder engagement, and evidence to shape strategic policy agendas.

Alejandra holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbia University (New York) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM).