Aleks Mitkovikj – Oakland

Aleks Mitkovikj (he/him) strives for a more sustainable, equitable future. Raised by a single mom in what is now North Macedonia, he worked around the world looking for his home and purpose. In the Bay Area, Aleks first experienced a sense of community and belonging that empowered him to be his true self. Two years into his transition, he sees his “transness” as a blessing that unlocked compassion for others. Aleks is filled with gratitude for the countless “misfits” that made fitting in possible, and his gratitude manifests as a duty to pay it forward. Aleks received his BA in Leadership and Organizational Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California in 2021. He works as a Lab Operations Lead at Bolt Threads, a sustainable biotech startup, whose mission is “way better materials for a way better world.” During the pandemic, he raised funds and volunteered with the Mercy Brown Bag Program to provide groceries for low-income seniors in Alameda County. His other passion is empowering young girls in low-income and marginalized communities. In his free time, you’ll find him playing tennis, riding a bike, or supporting local bars.