Alexandra King Pile, 36
BA international studies ’07
Political chief, U.S. Embassy Zambia, U.S. Department of State (Lusaka, Zambia)
My Greatest Accomplishment: I’m grateful to have accomplished so much in my relatively short career from winning a life-changing immigration case for a political refugee to playing a key role in democratic transfers of power in two different countries. But if I had to choose a greatest accomplishment, it would be the way that I have paved for those coming up behind me. Nothing makes me prouder than to see someone I’ve mentored achieve their goals. I know from experience how important it is to see representations of oneself in the positions to which we aspire, and I do all I can to show people like me that their dreams are within reach. Whenever I find myself being lauded as the first African American, first woman, or youngest person to accomplish something, I vow then and there that I will not be the last.
How Drexel Helped Me: Aside from my first-rate education of which I am very proud, Drexel provided concrete opportunities to develop my leadership potential into tested leadership skills that serve me to this day. People who know me today are never surprised to learn that I won “Student Leader of the Year” during my undergraduate days. My Drexel career was also the ideal time in my life to join and charter a chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., which became a springboard for activism and community service that I plan to maintain for the rest of my life. Another great benefit has been making friends who became family.
My Greatest Source of Motivation: Rather than comparing myself to others, I am constantly seeking to become a better version of my previous self. That could mean bench-pressing more than the week before, making greater investments in my self-care, or something less tangible like how satisfied and fulfilled I feel at any given time. As long as I’m progressing in some way, I’m motivated to continue doing so. Whenever I feel stagnated, I set a small time-bound goal and make specific plans to celebrate when I achieve it. Works like a charm!
Where I Hope to Be in Five Years: I presently have professional goals, personal and spiritual goals, which I pursue mostly independently of each other. In the next five years, I hope to master the art of integrating all my interests so that I can move forward full speed on a single path. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be finished paying off my student loans?
If My Life Were a Music Video, the Song Would Be: “Paris, Tokyo” by Lupe Fiasco.