Alexander Clemente is an aspiring doctor and entrepreneur originally from Guatemala. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Alexander worked hard from a young age to support his family while pursuing education. At 16, he migrated to the United States in hopes of building a better future, only to suffer serious injuries and mistreatment along the way. Thanks to his uncle’s support, Alexander gained not only guidance, but also a new family, including a brother and sister who empowered and supported him throughout his journey.
After rapidly advancing through ESL and earning his GED in just three months, Alexander went on to complete two bachelor’s degrees: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology B.S. and Cognitive Science B.S. with a minor in Spanish Studies at University of California Santa Cruz. His research in gene regulation, cancer stem cells, and linguistics deepened his understanding of health disparities, resilience in marginalized communities, and the power of language in navigating undocumented life. Notable contributions included groundbreaking yeast histone research, cancer tissue analysis in mice, and translating over 4,000 words from a rare 17th-century Opata Tegüima manuscript, a project that earned a 2024-2025 Faculty Research Fellowship.
Alexander earned national certifications as a medical assistant, phlebotomist, and EKG technician, gaining hands-on experience in clinical care, diagnostics, and patient support. He now helps train aspiring healthcare workers—especially undocumented students—through programs designed to quickly launch them into medical roles or prepare them for other healthcare roles. Alexander co-instructs in the Patient Care Fundamentals Program at San Mateo Adult School, teaching essential clinical and communication skills. He currently volunteers as a GED and ESL tutor, supporting undocumented adults in achieving educational and linguistic milestones that open professional doors. As a Red Cross Blood Ambassador with over 1,000 hours of service, he assists in critical blood donation efforts and regularly donates red blood cells to help patients with conditions like leukemia.
Due to his lack of work authorization, Alexander turned to entrepreneurship as a way to support himself, fund his medical school journey, and help his family overcome financial hardship. Through his businesses like Top Coat Tier Painting, Inc. and Golden Aura Cleaners, LLC, Alexander creates jobs and empowers other immigrants, especially undocumented individuals, to thrive beyond societal expectations. He is also developing BlueSky Builders, Inc. and plans to launch an electrical and plumbing services company. Ultimately, Alexander aspires to use entrepreneurship not just as a survival tool, but as a platform for uplifting his community while pursuing a future in medicine.
Alexander looks forward to working with immigrant and underserved families through his DreamSF Fellowship placement at the San Francisco Unified School District’s RISE-SF program, in collaboration with Good Samaritan Family Resource Center. In this role, he guides families through the school enrollment process, links them to vital community services, and helps ensure they have the legal, health, and educational support they need.
Outside of his work, Alexander finds balance through daily work outs at the gym, cooking with family, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.
