Alexis  Vidaurreta

Alexis Vidaurreta

Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, Class of 2019

Alexis Vidaurreta leverages her passions and talents to serve others, building community, thoughtfully engaging established communities, and modeling curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Her peer and student nominator Eleni Andris writes, “She epitomizes what it means to be a collaborative and emboldened leader, exemplifying an unwavering spirit of selfless citizenship.”

A drive to build resilient and equitable communities guides Alexis’ work in St. Louis. With unshakable momentum, Alexis commits to seeing projects through to fruition. Last year, alongside two community organizations, Wellston Loop Community Development Corporation and Community Reconnect, she organized and managed the production of a mural at the intersection of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and Hodiamont Avenue. The project culminated in a neighborhood painting party, building excitement and raising awareness around innovative community-based responses to food justice issues.

As a Goldman Fellow, Alexis interned at Trailnet, a nonprofit organization focused on fostering healthy, active, and vibrant communities where biking, walking, and using public transit are a way of life. Her supervisor noted, “Alexis pushed Trailnet to evaluate our community engagement outreach strategies and how to improve them to ensure community voices were heard and uplifted.” Having become a valuable part of Trailnet’s team, her work in planning and community engagement evaluation continued during her senior year.

Alexis’ passion for cultivating strong communities extends beyond St. Louis. As a WashU Delegate to the UN climate negotiations in Katowice, Poland in 2018, Alexis learned firsthand about the importance of local action to address climate change and hopes to apply this knowledge in her career.

An understated yet confident leader, Alexis doesn’t just talk the talk; she inspires those around her by living the life she advocates. Alexis can be spotted navigating St. Louis by Metro or bike, determined to support and enrich the city’s physical and social infrastructures and model sustainable living. Her devotion to mentorship is evident through the depth of the relationships she cultivates both on and off campus. Alexis’ authenticity and commitment motivate those around her to find their own meaningful ways to engage with community and use their platforms to amplify the voices of others.