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Faces of Leeds Snapshot

Name: Graciela Valencia (Fin’22)
Title: Marketing Project Coordinator, Denver Scholarship Foundation
Leeds GOLD Board: Director of Communications

What motivated you to join the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board and stay connected to the Leeds community?
Three years post-grad, I knew I wanted to continue growing professionally while investing my time and leadership into something meaningful—which aligned perfectly with the responsibilities and mission of the Leeds GOLD Board.

Through this role, I help strengthen the Leeds network, celebrate Buff pride, and support students and alumni. I’ve found a meaningful way to help current and future students see that becoming an alum opens the door to a lasting support system they can lean on no matter where they are in the world!

As director of communications on the GOLD Board, how do you hope to make an impact?
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is sharing student and alumni stories through the board’s social media platforms, highlighting the incredible individuals who make up the Leeds community. As I enter my second year on the board and continue growing in my career, my goal is to elevate awareness so students clearly understand the opportunities and support available to them. Whether through collaboration, storytelling or simply being a resource for students seeking guidance, I am always eager to give back in any way that Leeds needs.

In your role at the Denver Scholarship Foundation, you support students through marketing and storytelling. How did your Leeds experience help shape your purpose-driven career path?I joined the Diverse Scholars Program my first year at Leeds, which fundamentally shaped my Leeds experience. Through mentorship, professional exposure and opportunities like FGX, I saw firsthand how intentional support can empower students to believe in themselves and dream bigger. Staff members like Ruby Batalla—and many others—modeled what it looks like to lead with passion and place students at the center of their work.Ìý

Today, in my role at the Denver Scholarship Foundation, I support a nonprofit dedicated to helping Denver Public Schools students access and succeed in higher education. Through marketing and storytelling, I help ensure that students, families and community members understand the support DSF offers, while also increasing accessibility for Spanish-speaking families. That approach closely reflects the values prioritized by the Opening Doors to Achievement Office at Leeds.

What’s a favorite memory from your time at Leeds?
My time at Leeds was filled with unforgettable firsts, but one memory that stands out most was attending my first Rocky Mountain Showdown at Empower Field during my freshman year. Traveling from Boulder to Denver with new friends and cheering on the Buffs together was a memorable way to kick off my college journey.

ÌýThe sense of community—present from the moment I walked into Leeds—left a lasting impact on me and inspired me to pursue a purpose-driven career where my creativity, skills and values intersect.Ìý