Mi Cuento
 

Amelia Valdez was born and raised in the Westside of San Antonio. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1989 and received a scholarship for International Studies in the Caribbean through the Minority Community Scholarship Studies program. She is a published author in the anthology “Inside Separate Worlds,” which is currently being used at the

University of Michigan.

 

Amelia’s professional career started at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio as Director of Education and as an advisor for staff and policy development. During this time, Amelia helped secure funds for youth programs and received recognition for distinguished level youth development. Afterwards, Amelia worked at the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas as a Program Specialist where she played a major role in transitioning the organization to the Westside of San Antonio in order to serve more girls in the inner city.

                       

In 2015 Amelia continued her career at Esperanza Peace and Justice Center where she played an instrumental role in volunteer recruitment and retention.  Amelia also coordinated cultural programming, managed and scheduled performances for legendary vocalists Las Tesoros De San Antonio, 2019 NEA National Heritage Fellows. 

 

Amelia is a lifelong advocate for celebrating the culture and history of the Westside, culminating in her role as past president of the Historic Westside Resident Association.

 

Today Amelia enjoys giving back to the people of the community as a life coach and motivational speaker. She frequently shares her story “Surviving in the Barrio” and “Mi Historia,” with youth and adult groups. She also believes in empowering youth through sports, coaching basketball, softball, and archery.