H22 CEO and Founder Heather Jerrehian had a conversation with recent college graduate Alexia Astudillo as part of our ‘First Rung’ blog series. In a world that is being reshaped by AI and automation, where Gen Z is facing unprecedented and accelerated change, H22 believes that clarity about who you are and why you’re here matters more than ever. This blog series explores the ways self-knowledge contributes to purpose and passion.
Alexia graduated from Farmingdale State College in the Spring of 2026 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and International Business and aims to work in Marketing and Social Media.
Heather: When do you feel most energized — what are you doing?
Alexia: I feel most energized when I’m being creative, as well as when I’m meeting and surrounding myself with new people. I’ve had a lot of jobs where they're customer-facing, hospitality, and I love when I'm in those roles because I'm constantly talking to people, constantly meeting new people, and learning about new people.
And then on top of that, just my creative side, I think I tend to have an eye for things. I think that's why I love social media and the marketing side of things, because I get to be my little perfectionist self, I get to play around with colors and things like that. That's what really makes me excited.
Even just trying new things and being involved in new things. Before I graduated, I was president of my Women in Business club, and seeing all the members come together, connect, and grow with each meeting, whether it was personally or professionally, was incredible. It wasn't just one single "aha" moment for me, but a natural progression of realizing how much I enjoy social creativity and leadership.
Heather: What is a strength you have that the world hasn’t fully seen yet?
Alexia: I’d say it’s my willingness to put myself out there, even when I’m unsure of myself. I’ll take on roles where I feel like, "Well, maybe this isn't for me," but I still want to put myself in it. I can put myself out there, even though I tend to be a shyer type of person.
When I was in my Women in Business club, I was a moderator for an aviation panel with over 100 people in the room. All eyes were on me to guide the conversation, so that was an experience that definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I like challenging myself to put myself out there, stepping up and trusting myself and what I know and what I can do. It depends on the situation as to whether I’m an introvert or extrovert. In my personal life, I’m more of an introvert, but in professional settings, I come off very extroverted.
Heather: What skill are you deliberately building right now, and why?
Alexia: Right now, I’m deliberately building the skill of learning how to navigate which direction I want to take my life in, my career. I do have a lot of experience in social media and content creation, but is that really the direction I want to take it in or is that where my life will go? I think that's what I'm really working towards. What do I want to do? What do I want to build towards?
I can take my degree in a lot of directions. So I think I'm just exploring different opportunities and figuring out what truly excites me, and what I want to give my energy and space to. One thing I’m doing right now is creating an Instagram page for myself as a professional. I was encouraged to do this by one of my mentors at Farmingdale. It has me putting my work out there, and the services I could offer.
Heather: In a world where AI can do more and more, what should remain deeply human?
Alexia: Human connection needs to remain with the humans… things like empathy, our ability to truly understand one another, emotions. Just staying connected and talking to someone who really cares about you and is there to support you. There’s something special about the way people can connect and share experiences, and help each other grow. I think AI can do a lot, but I don’t think it can match genuine emotions from connecting with other people.
Heather: Do you have a favorite quote or saying that strongly resonates with you?
Alexia: I actually have two! The first one is, "You’ll never know until you try." That was huge for me in college — I got involved in so many things because I knew I’d never see what I was capable of unless I put myself out there. Even now as a graduate, going on interviews and exploring new career options, I stay open to new possibilities even if I feel unsure.
The second one is, "Everything happens for a reason." I’ve always believed that, whether things go as planned or not.
Heather: What is one change you are working to make this year?
Alexia: I’m working on putting myself out there, trusting myself a little more, trusting that I know what I know. Broadening my mindset and expanding as I grow professionally.
