Victoria Valencia
“ I ’ ve always been involved in my community — I like bringing joy to people .”
Community Relations Manager - Gilroy Chamber of Commerce . Board Member - One Giving Tree . Volunteer - Mt . Madonna YMCA . vwright @ gilroy . org / gilroy . org / 408-842-6437 / onegivingtree . org
Age is just a number for Victoria Valencia . Although she is just 27 years old , she has had enough life experience to fill more than her years . As the daughter of a struggling , young , single mom who even faced homelessness at times , Victoria knows what it means to work for what she has . Despite her difficult circumstances growing up in Morgan Hill , she has not only worked hard to be successful in her own life — but to help others .
Victoria ’ s path has always included leadership roles , event planning , and community involvement , even throughout high school and college . She was the first in her family to graduate high school and college , earning a degree in Hospitality , Tourism , and Events Management from San Jose State University .
After graduating , Victoria worked as the youngest events planner for the Gilroy Elks Lodge . When the event planner position opened up at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce in 2019 , Victoria jumped at the chance , as she wanted to connect to the community even more through long-term relationships .
After the Garlic Festival shooting and COVID-19 , she and others on staff worked to meet the needs of lthose suffering in the community , and her job title changed to community relations coordinator . During the economic shutdown , she
continued to adapt and serve local businesses and those in need .
Victoria has connected with many people in the community through volunteering with Leadership Gilroy Class of 2021 , GALs ( Gilroy Assistance League ), Gilroy After Hours Rotary , the House of Toys through Mt . Madonna YMCA , and now as a board member of One Giving Tree , a local nonprofit that gives Christmas trees ( along with a stand and ornaments ) to families in need . Working hand-in-hand with businesses and non-profits has been a perfect fit for Victoria . “ I try to build connections wherever I go . I like to be the bridge to connect businesses with a need in the community .”
In her free time , Victoria enjoys spending time with her husband and hiking . She also likes to do creative things , such as crafting projects with her youngest sister who is twelve .
Having received from community organizations in times of need , Victoria is happy to give back . “ They made our lives easier , and I hope I can provide that same sort of relief — or hope — for others .”
That is why her vision for the community is one where “ the most vulnerable members of our community have access to the resources they need to live comfortably .”
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