Alexandra Cawthorne Gaines

About Alexandra Cawthorne Gaines

Based in Washington, D.C.| Bridging Public Policy, Corporate Impact & Social InnovationI’m a mission-driven executive with 20+ years of leadership experience shaping policy, building coalitions, and scaling solutions that advance economic justice and financial inclusion. I’ve led transformative initiatives across public, nonprofit, and private sectors—most recently at JPMorganChase, where I drove national strategy and advocacy to advance policy to increase financial wellbeing and wealth-building for LMI communities.Throughout my career, I’ve worked at the intersection of research, policy, and action—advising governors, briefing members of Congress, and steering high-impact teams toward measurable systems change. My passion lies in translating complex policy challenges into scalable, equity-centered solutions. Whether influencing federal legislation, designing two-generation strategies for state governments, or building trusted cross-sector partnerships, I bring rigor, empathy, and a relentless commitment to expanding opportunity.

Experience

1. Director of Policy

   Compass Working Capital

   Sep 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• The George Washington University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Graduate School of Political Management, Legislative Affairs Program

  2012 — 2015

• Vassar College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Urban Studies/Affairs and Psychology

  2000 — 2004

• American University

  Transforming Communities Program