Valerie Chavez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her family lineage is firmly planted in New Mexico and is a key influence in her academic interests.

Valerie graduated from UNM with her B.A. in Intercultural Communication and a minor in Chicana/o studies. After graduating, Valerie spent two years working within the development staff for a local non-profit that strives to end homelessness in New Mexico.

She is now part of the administrative team as well as a direct contact for organizations, students, faculty and staff with interest in the PNMGC program. PNMGC is a peer mentoring program for graduate students of color. The program’s main focus is the peer-to-peer mentoring but also includes leadership and professional development, community and cultural engagement as well as academic workshops. 

Valerie’s proposed research is rooted in her Nueva Mexicana identity. While studying, she plans on analyzing Nueva Mexicana Chola self-expression and its relation to Chicana feminism. Her focus will be to destruct and understand the importance of space/place within Chicana feminist identity.