Valentina Velasquez is from Watsonville and attended St Mary’s College where she majored in Ethnic Studies and Spanish and minored in Sociology. Upon returning home during the first COVID lockdown, Valentina joined the Digital NEST with the intention of reintroducing herself to the Watsonville community. At the NEST she instructed courses where members between the ages of 14-24 learned project management and soft skills while working within the community. Courses ranged from youth participatory action research to learning how to put on fun and engaging community events. While not working, Valentina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading books/graphic novels, creating stickers, and attending local art markets and live music events. Valentina is excited to work with United Way and is looking forward to work with Santa Cruz County youth!