28. Alejandra Naranjo — Earning the Trust to Match Generosity with Impact

Today’s guest is someone who embodies a rare and powerful combination: sharp strategic thinking paired with a deep, human understanding of what it means to give, to trust, and to build something that matters.

Alejandra Naranjo is currently the Assistant Vice President for Development, Principal Gifts and Campaign Initiatives at New York University, where she leads transformational philanthropic partnerships at the highest level. Her work sits at the intersection where trust fosters the path for generosity to help with world—helping move significant resources toward bold ideas that shape institutions and expand opportunity.

Before NYU, Alejandra served as Vice President of Administration and Development for the Tecnológico de Monterrey Foundation, where she helped raise more than $15 million in just four years—and closed an eight-figure gift in her first two. At The New York Women’s Foundation, she led development efforts generating over $10 million annually in unrestricted funding, growing the donor base by 30% and advancing equity for women and families across New York City.

But what makes Alejandra’s story especially compelling is the breadth of her journey. From corporate banking at Citi to teaching econometrics at ITAM… from nonprofit leadership at The American School Foundation to working alongside Mexican President Vicente Fox on cross-border initiatives to reduce poverty—her career reflects a throughline of purpose, connection, and impact.

Alejandra brings both clarity and warmth to this work. She reminds us that philanthropy, at its best, isn’t just about money—it’s about belief. It’s about aligning values, honoring relationships, and investing in a future we’re brave enough to imagine together.

Most of all, Alejanda uses her many many talents and skills for social good. 

Listen in if you’re someone working in leadership, in philanthropy, or simply trying to make a difference in a complex world.

In this episode, we explore:

• What builds real trust in donor relationships
• Moving from transactions to transformational partnerships
• Leading across cultures and borders
• Balancing strategy with empathy in high-stakes environments
• The deeper purpose behind giving and what makes generosity meaningful
• And what to do when you present an award to Robert De Niro... but you don't actually have an award. 

What does it look like to not just ask for support—but to invite someone into shared belief?

Dive in!

Alejandra Naranjo:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandranaranjo/

NYU University Development and Alumni Relations:

https://www.nyu.edu/about/leadership-university-administration/organization-directory/university-developmentandalumnirelations.html