Alex Cantu

Chief Operating Officer

Alex is a dedicated community advocate, philanthropist, and accomplished nonprofit leader. As Chief Operating Officer at MAYA Consulting, he leverages his expertise in operations to establish equitable systems that foster a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. During his tenure as an operations leader, MAYA has experienced remarkable growth, doubling its revenue and headcount. The company’s commitment to work-life balance resulted in receiving the esteemed “Best Place for Working Parents” distinction, while also being recognized with the Small Business Excellence Award by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Driven by a passion for creating safe spaces for children, Alex collaborates with organizations dedicated to nurturing the well-being of young individuals and empowering them as valued contributors to their communities. As a Latino first-generation college graduate and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he draws from his personal experiences navigating systems that can marginalize identities to guide his professional journey. He actively engages with organizations that champion the inclusivity for all children, focusing on initiatives encompassing community advocacy, restorative justice, and cultivating leadership skills through service-oriented approaches.

Throughout his career, Alex has been deeply invested in working with nonprofit organization specializing in community mobilization and providing strategic advising. As the director of operations for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, a nonprofit that offers healing and restorative justice support for nonprofits serving sexually abused children, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to creating safer communities for vulnerable individuals. Additionally, as a grant and program coordinator for Texans For Safe And Drug-Free Youth, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth substance abuse, he advocated for the creation of healthier and safer communities. These formative roles ignited his dedication to serving organizations focused on building secure living and learning environments.

Alex graduated magna cum laude with a Master of Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Upon graduation, faculty members nominated him for the Dean’s Graduate Business Award, which honors one student who displays exemplary leadership amongst their peers, exhibits promise for future success, and earns a strong academic record. Alex is a proud graduate of St. Edward’s University’s Bill Munday School of Business where he earned his bachelor degree and is also an alumnus of Leadership Austin. In addition to his role with MAYA, Alex actively serves the nonprofit community through volunteerism and board service. He currently serves as the Board Chair of VELA and Vice Chair of Open Door Preschools, leveraging his expertise and leadership to further the missions of these organizations. Alex is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Hispanic Impact Fund, where he actively contributes to shaping impactful initiatives. Beyond his professional endeavors, he cherishes quality time with his partner, Michael, and their two beloved and dramatic dogs, Leo and Daisy.