Alexa Zapata

Biography

Alexa Zapata serves as an Assistant Director in the Gender Relations Center, where she helps students navigate the relationships that shape their college experience. She also leads the GRC's communications and marketing efforts, helping to create resources and programs that foster connection, belonging, and meaningful dialogue across campus.

Alexa brings experience from multiple areas of higher education, including roles at Indiana University South Bend and Saint Mary's College. As a Licensed Social Worker, she has also provided therapeutic services in community mental health and private practice settings. Across each of these roles, her work has been guided by a commitment to cultural humility, advocacy, and supporting individuals whose voices often go unheard. She is especially passionate about supporting survivors of interpersonal violence, the BIPOC community, and helping students access the care and resources they need to thrive.

Born in Querétaro, Mexico, and raised in South Bend, Alexa has a deep connection to the tri-campus community, including spending part of her childhood living in Notre Dame family housing while her father attended the Mendoza College of Business. She earned her Master of Social Work from Indiana University and her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Saint Mary's College. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys spending time with her son, getting lost in a good book (send recommendations!), and diving into crafty projects.