For many in the Hispanic and Caribbean community, identity is more than ancestry — it is resilience, passion, and pride carried into every pursuit. For Dr. Paul Elias Alexander with roots in Cuba and Panama, and a life spanning Canada and the United States, this heritage has been the foundation of a career marked by persistence, integrity, and continuous growth.
“I would say my heritage is Caribbean and Hispanic, and I am very proud of it,” he reflects. “Latin American people, especially, are very passionate. We love our nations, our cultures, our faith — and I carry all of that in me.”
This cultural pride is not just personal; it is a guiding principle. It fuels his desire to represent his heritage while also making meaningful contributions to North America and every community he becomes part of.
Lessons from Heritage: Family, Faith, and Integrity
Growing up, financial resources were limited, but love, culture, and faith were abundant. These values shaped his work ethic and outlook on life. “We came up poorer in the sense of finances, but rich in family, love, culture, integrity, and faith,” he shares. “That’s what governed me and allowed me to build.”
From his grandparents’ journey in Cuba and Panama to his own experiences in Canada and the U.S., his roots instilled a sense of discipline and perseverance. “My culture taught me to work hard, arrive early and leave late, and always bring my A-game to the table.”
This mindset made him not only resilient but also deeply appreciative of spaces where diversity is embraced. “At places like Oxford, the University of Toronto, and MIT, I have met many brilliant Latin students. The staff at MIT especially, is very professional and welcoming of multiple ethnicities and cultures. They make learning a shared experience.”
Why Upskilling Became Non-Negotiable
Currently working with The Wellness Company under Trump’s administration, he reflects on his motivation to upskill, with industries rapidly shifting toward Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, he knew staying competitive required more than experience — it demanded continuous learning. His curiosity about AI turned into a determination to master it.
“Upskilling placed me in a more competitive situation and benefits my career and future,” he explains. “I was fascinated by AI and wanted to learn.” Enrolling in the No Code Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning program by MIT Professional Education was the best move for him, as it allowed him to gain tremendous expertise already, it acts as an advantage for him today.
The MIT program not only built technical expertise but also reaffirmed his belief in lifelong learning. Surrounded by diverse peers and guided by world-class faculty, he embraced the rigor and relevance of a curriculum designed to match employer needs in today’s fast-changing world.
Championing Lifelong Learning: “Never be afraid to do more”
For him, education is not a milestone but a mindset. “It is absolutely important to embrace school, to understand that learning is lifelong, and to champion learning. Never be afraid to do more,” he emphasizes.
His advice to others echoes his own path: “Find places like MIT and their tailor-made courses that refine and upgrade your skills to match the changing times. There are many skilled people out there, and one has to continuously learn and upskill.”
