Alex Balcazar is a Data Analyst at the USC Equity Research Institute (ERI). Prior to joining ERI, Alex worked as a Senior Consultant at the Baha’i International Development Organization where he focused on the development of the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program which aims to empower 11–15-year-olds to take ownership of their own progress and to contribute to the well-being and advancement of their communities. Alex holds an MPA in public policy and analysis from the University of Texas at Arlington; a graduate certificate in geographic information systems from the University of California, San Diego; and a BA in sociology from the University of Texas at El Paso. During grad school, Alex worked as a Data Analyst Intern at the City of Garland, Texas Economic Development Department where he was responsible for spatial data analysis and demographic research. While an undergraduate, Alex also worked as a research assistant uncovering health disparities among children in El Paso, Texas. Alex’s research has been published in academic journals including the Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences and Public Health.