Meet a Colleague: Andrea Velásquez Andrea Velásquez serves as manager of work-life and leaves for the Office of Human Resources.

W&L News Office
May 7, 2025

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I’ve been working at W&L for 10 years, but I’ve been enjoying the campus since 1994, when I moved to Lexington. You could say I was a fan long before I joined the team.

Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
There are so many things I enjoy about working here, but without a doubt, it’s the people. W&L is full of thoughtful, talented and genuinely kind individuals — it makes coming to work a pleasure.

Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
I have a couple of favorites! The Belfield gardens are so peaceful and calming. The campus gardeners do an incredible job keeping them beautiful year-round — every season brings something new to admire. I also love the stone tunnel on the Woods Creek Trail that passes under East Denny Circle. The way the water and light play together in that spot is truly magical.

Q. Where did you grow up?
Northern California. Funny enough, I’d never even heard of W&L, or Lexington, until my brother enrolled at VMI in the 1980s. Life has a way of leading you to the right places!

Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
I love tackling projects with my husband and playing with our five-month-old puppy, Tikka. She’s a riot — equal parts chaos and charm.

Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
Right here in Lexington, overlooking the Maury River with a sweeping view of the mountains. Honestly, I’m already living the dream.

Q. What book are you reading now?
“Pride and Prejudice.” It’s one of my annual reads — I always find something new to appreciate. At heart, I suppose I’m a romantic.

Q. What is your favorite film of all time?
“Pride and Prejudice” (2005). Naturally, it pairs perfectly with the book. I’d also add “About Time,” which always reminds me to stay grounded in what really matters.

Q. If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
Leslie Mann — she captures my quirkiness with just the right mix of charm and goofiness.

Q. What is your desert island food?
Fish tacos and chocolate. I check every menu for fish tacos — and chocolate speaks for itself.

Q. Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I’m actually an introvert masquerading as an extrovert. I enjoy people, but I definitely need my quiet time to recharge.

Q. What is your secret talent?
I’m a human level. Seriously — I can spot a crooked picture frame from across any room.