Revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place.

Alexandra “Ali” Ernst is a Workforce Development Specialist at the Academy for Professional Excellence, where she contributes to innovative initiatives to enhance the capabilities of Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals. With over a decade of experience in instructional design, training development, and program management, Ali is dedicated to enhancing workforce capacity and advancing best practices in adult protective services. Previously, Ali worked with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), providing strategic program management, consultation, and training development support to local and global teams serving displaced persons. Ali’s leadership in workforce development also extended to refugee and asylum-seeker support in San Diego, where she designed culturally responsive training programs, led gender-responsive initiatives, and launched psycho-social support programs for survivors of crime. Ali’s commitment to cultural humility was deeply rooted in her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in rural central China. This experience reinforced her belief in the importance of culturally responsive and community-driven solutions—values she continues integrating into her professional work. Ali holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Counseling and Trauma-Informed Care from San Diego State University, along with a Bachelor’s in International Relations from UC Davis. Her diverse background in instructional design and program management, combined with her passion for workforce development, allows her to bring a holistic approach to the training needs of professionals. When she’s not working, Ali enjoys traveling, camping, surfing, gardening, and spending time with friends and family in San Diego, California.