Success can mean many things—grades, awards, job titles—but for Alexis Maria Sanchez, a 2025 graduate of La Salle University, it means something more personal. It means making her father proud. It means showing her siblings what’s possible. It means stepping onto a stage at McCarthy Stadium, not as a symbol, but as her full, true self—representing not just her own hard work, but the hopes of a whole community.
From Humble Beginnings to Big Dreams
Raised in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, Alexis grew up in an area where opportunities were limited, and safety was never guaranteed. As a first-generation college student, she often questioned if someone like her belonged in a place like La Salle. But from day one, she pushed forward—with grit, grace, and quiet courage.
Now, four years later, she’s not only graduating with a double major in marketing and finance—she’s also been selected to deliver the undergraduate commencement speech for the Class of 2025. Her father, sitting proudly in the VIP section, has no idea that his daughter will take center stage to represent an entire graduating class. She wants it to be a surprise—a moment that honors not just her journey, but the family and community that helped raise her.
Saying “Yes” to Growth
What truly defined Alexis’s college experience was her willingness to say “yes.” She said yes to the Academic Discovery Program, which gave her the academic support and encouragement she needed. She said yes to studying abroad in Paris, where her luggage was lost on the first night, but her determination stayed firm.
She also said yes to leadership, taking on the role of chapter president of Gamma Iota Sigma, a business organization she helped rebuild from the ground up. She travelled to conferences, learned how to network, and slowly silenced the voice of self-doubt that told her she didn’t belong.
Alexis joined La Salle’s club volleyball team, mentored young athletes at her old high school, and found peace journaling by the river on Kelly Drive. And in one of her most memorable campus roles, she put on the Explorer mascot suit, dancing at events from college arenas to Times Square, even getting the chance to ring the NASDAQ bell.
But behind the costume was a real student navigating the pressures of leadership, performance, and personal growth. Alexis took all of it in stride—with a deep sense of purpose and a smile that didn’t need a mascot mask to shine.
Owning Every Space She Walks Into
Through her time at La Salle, Alexis transformed uncertainty into confidence. Networking events that once felt intimidating became opportunities. Her community roots didn’t hold her back—they pushed her forward. She found mentors in professors who saw her potential and friends who understood her journey.
One moment that sums it up? Sitting in full mascot gear in a quiet room with La Salle’s President, Dr. Daniel J. Allen, having a heartfelt conversation about Puerto Rico, dreams, and the future.
Her final event as the mascot was in April 2025 at Citizens Bank Park, where she stood looking out over the Philadelphia skyline, thinking about everything she’d overcome. The next time she stepped in front of a crowd, it would be as herself—no suit, no stage mask—just Alexis.
Standing Tall for Others
On May 10, Alexis will speak at graduation not only as a top student, but as a voice for all the students who once wondered if they belonged. Her message is simple: “Everything I do is not just for me. It’s for every kid who needs to see that it’s possible.”
Her success is not measured in titles or applause. It’s measured in how many lives she can impact by showing up as her full, authentic self. That’s what makes her story truly powerful.
Alexis Maria Sanchez’s journey from Kensington to the La Salle commencement stage is a reminder that success doesn’t have one definition. For some, it means overcoming fear. For others, it means leading quietly, showing up, and saying yes—even when it’s hard. Alexis’s story is one of hope, determination, and proof that the right opportunities, when met with the right mindset, can turn dreams into reality.
As she walks across that stage on May 10, she carries not just a degree, but the belief of a whole community. And with every word of her speech, she’ll be planting the idea in someone else’s heart: you can do this too.
