Alexandra Velez

ALEXANDRA VELEZ
Founder/CEO of Velez Consulting Services
Associate Degree in Computer Science (Cybersecurity Option)

Alexandra (Alex) Velez is a proud Latina, Hudson County native, and Hudson County Community College alumni who turned early access to STEM education into a lifelong passion for technology and service as a cybersecurity professional. Growing up in Union City, Alex discovered her love for IT through afterschool science and technology programs—experiences that shaped her belief that opportunity and access can transform lives. With over 20 years in IT and cybersecurity, Alex serves as the Founder and CEO of Velez Consulting Services, a small-business consulting firm that empowers entrepreneurs with accessible cybersecurity, IT, and branding solutions. Her company reflects her mission to make technology and security approachable for everyone, especially startups, local businesses, and underrepresented communities. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond entrepreneurship through active volunteerism and mentorship with ISC2 New Jersey, ISACA New Jersey, WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity), and HCCC, where she helps build stronger, more inclusive cyber communities. A proud advocate for digital literacy, she leads cyber awareness sessions for senior citizens, often in Spanish, to ensure security education reaches everyone. She holds CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and ISC2 CC and SSCP certifications, and is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance at Western Governors University.

“When I decided it was time to go back to school, there was no question—HCCC was where I belonged.”

What influenced your decision to attend community college?

After working in the IT industry for more than ten years, I realized experience alone wasn’t enough to take me where I wanted to go. I wanted to grow, to keep learning, and to finally earn the degree I had once put on hold. It was a personal promise to myself to keep moving forward. Being a Hudson County native, Hudson County Community College has always held a special place in my heart. It represents opportunity, community, and second chances. When I decided it was time to go back to school, there was no question—HCCC was where I belonged. It felt like returning home to continue a journey I had started years ago, now with more purpose and determination than ever before.

Were you involved in any student organizations, clubs, or leadership roles?

At HCCC, I was as involved as much as possible while holding a full-time job! I was a part of the Student Government Association as a Secretary, A member of Phi Theta Kappa, National Society of Leadership and Society, Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies and member of Computer Science Club. As alumni, I continue to be involved as a mentor, benefactor, and advocate.

What was the social experience like—did you feel a sense of community?

As anxious as I was returning to college as an older student, I found that I was surrounded by a loving and supportive community. This community gave me the encouragement I needed as I balanced my life as a student and a full-time bread winner. The many students and professors who helped me strive at every moment through my highest highs and lowest lows, my community at HCCC was there as my strong foundation. HCCC and this community were so impactful to me that Hudson is Home, now and always.