Elaine Valenzuela

Current Role
Current Team Member
Current Company

How has your time at Stiles Hall helped shape you to be the leader you are today?

My time at Stiles Hall has been transformative and has shaped me into the leader that I am today. I feel like Stiles was the voice I needed to flourish into a confident leader. They gave me the ability to believe in myself, helped me learn how to self-advocate, and provided a space where I could pour into just as much as they poured into me.

Please share one of your fondest memories of doing work or building connections as a member of the Stiles Hall community?

My fondest memory at Stiles Hall is meeting all the incredible people who come through this space. Being surrounded by individuals passionate about giving back, mentoring, and building community has given me hope that good people still exist. Whether it’s watching mentors go the extra mile for their students, seeing undergraduates form bonds with each other through shared experiences, or simply having deep, meaningful conversations in the office, Stiles has constantly reminded me of the power of collective care and service.

How would you describe the value or importance of Stiles to you and the communities it serves?

A place that saw my worth even when I struggled to see it myself. When I withdrew from UC Berkeley, I felt lost, but reconnecting with Stiles reminded me of my resilience and purpose. As Pathways Coaching Director, I learned that leadership is rooted in vulnerability, community, and advocacy. Stiles fosters spaces where BIPOC students are empowered to embrace their journeys, reclaim their narratives, and create equitable opportunities for those who come after them. It’s more than an organization, it’s a home, a movement, and a testament to the power of radical love and collective care.

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