Volunteer Spotlight: Guadalupe Valencia
July 2020

Guadalupe Valencia
Associate Vice President for Business Affairs and 
Interim Vice President for Information Resources
University of Texas at El Paso

How long have you been at your institution?

8.5 months

What is your volunteer position for WACUBO? 

I hold several volunteer positions: CDRIC Committee Member, 2020 & 2021 Program Committee Member, 2022 Program Committee Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee Member and 3rd Vice President of WACUBO

How long have you volunteered with WACUBO? 

I have volunteered since 2010, about a decade.

What do you like most about the opportunities WACUBO gives you as a professional? 

It is a highly collaborative group and I enjoy the networking aspect of it the most. I feel comfortable reaching out to individuals I have met within the organization. We sharing information that helps further all our organizations. The curricula that is offered is very relevant to CBO's across the nation. I consider myself an introvert so the connections I have made have made me feel more at ease. I am also a military spouse and have had to move around the country frequently, I can lean on my WACUBO colleagues to support me during my transitions from state to state.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Most recently, I was elected 3rd Vice President of WACUBO. I had always aspired to be part of the leadership of this organization and I am extremely proud to be able to guide such an important group of individuals

Is there a resource, i.e, a book, blog, website, etc., that you would recommend to other WACUBO professionals? 

Of course, as a higher education executive, I read The Chronicle of Higher Education.
I love TED talks, I find them very inspirational and they have a wealth of information. I also listen to NPR a lot. While working for the University of Washington and spending some time in Seattle traffic, I found that listening to NPR made me feel better equipped to face the day.

What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? 

Everyone has value and a great leader leads with humility.

Are there any particular stories, insights, etc., from your experiences as a WACUBO volunteer that you would like to share with our colleagues? *

Volunteering for this organization has been one of the highlights of my career. The tasks as a volunteer do not seem overwhelming when you are making so many friends along the way. Whether there is a personal or professional challenge, I feel comfortable reaching out to my WACUBO colleagues. Every volunteer is committed to moving the organization forward and supporting higher education business officers across the nation. During such challenging times, it feels great to have a support system where information exchanges happen so freely.

 Return to July 2020 WACUBO News