clubs . During her time as District Governor , Valenta participated with fifty-two clubs in the District to purchase over 500 wheelchairs for delivery to Mexico and other locales .
Valenta has also enjoyed participating in the Gilroy Branch of the American Association of University Women , which she has served as president for in the past . This group focuses on inspiring and supporting young women through scholarships and a STEM-based program called TechTrek .
OPPOSITE TOP : Susan enjoys a get-together at the Neon Exchange September 2022 . OPPOSITE BOTTOM : Susan with Garlic Festival Beer Crew members in 2014 . ABOVE : Susan and Tom Valenta are a true power couple , working side by side to Gilroy ' s benefit . Together , they model love for community , and BELOW : Susan is all smiles , promoting her 2015 Rotary wheelchair project .
Regarding these achievements , Valenta said , “ The beauty of organizations is that accomplishments come from a team working together . I was privileged to work with so many individuals in having problems identified and viable , sustainable solutions implemented . Anything that was accomplished was as a result of everyone working together .”
Mark Turner , current President / CEO of the Chamber of Commerce , said , " Susan Valenta ' s fingerprints are on many of the organizations that have contributed to the betterment of Gilroy … While Susan goes about quietly leading in different ways , she is a major influential force . Her gentle , kind , and compassionate style is what makes her so well respected as a leader .”
Valenta really has a heart for her community . Her professional roles are only part of the way she has impacted Gilroy . She has contributed to the community through community organizations and volunteering . Valenta especially appreciates the Leadership Gilroy program , a nine-month program that trains community members to address emerging needs in the community . Valenta believes it is these types of volunteers “ who step up and are willing to work on solutions who are the real change artists in Gilroy .”
Valenta appreciates Gilroy ’ s spirit of collaboration and that the city staff and council members encourage involvement and take time to meet with community members . She also loves all the things to do – from trails to Gilroy Gardens and local wineries . She said , “ Gilroy is a community that thrives and has a sense of place .”
Valenta also loves Gilroy ’ s culture of volunteerism and philanthropy . “ The world changed over the past few years ,” she said , “ but people still want and need a community that cares for each other . Gilroy has demonstrated repeatedly that the essence of community is still a core value , and the people of Gilroy are committed to preserving that essence .”
Jane Howard , retired Director of Visit Gilroy / California Welcome Center Gilroy , has known Susan Valenta for over twenty-five years and said she would describe her as “ amazing .” Howard said , “ She is a very talented woman in so many areas , and her selection in 2013 as one of 100 most influential women in Santa Clara County recognized her contributions personally and professionally to this community . I am blessed to call her my dear friend .”
Valenta plans to continue serving whenever and wherever she is needed . Her role in the community may change over the years , but her positive impact on the community remains a constant . She said her favorite quote is “‘ Be the change you want to see in the world .’” She added , “ Those words are so simple , yet the meaning behind them empowers us all to bring positive change in our lives , our communities , and our world .”
One of Valenta ’ s passions has been serving as part of Rotary Club since 1991 . She has been a Club President , a District Governor , and is currently in her sixth year as a Financial Committee Chair . Valenta loves that “ Rotarians are people of action and have a heart for service .” The position of District Governor provided her the opportunity to represent Rotary in a four-county region . Valenta said Rotary “ has afforded me an opportunity to expand my network , participate in service projects locally and internationally , and contribute personally and financially .”
As part of Rotary , Valenta and her co-volunteers helped create a comprehensive set of financial guidelines , assisted in establishing another Rotary group , and created a documented process that other clubs could consider in expanding Rotary
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