From being homecoming queen for three years in a row, a public speaker at various events at Cal State Bakersfield, Minaya Valentine is constantly advocating, and representing all sorts of communities.
“I feel very connected with everything that I’m involved in. A lot of it hits things that I’m passionate about.” said Valentine.
Beyond her stellar achievements such as Student Assistant for Equity and Student Compliances for the Office of President, Black Women on Campus Liaison, Student Ambassador for Black Faculty and Staff Association, and a Student Intern for Student Quality Education, Valentine finds the stories within everyone she meets.
Valentine explained how while working as a student assistant for the food pantry, she did more than just provide food services. She was able to hear their stories and as a result has been able to connect, advocate, and represent her fellow Roadrunners.
Valentine also mentors, speaks words of affirmations, and shares her story with all the members within BWOC.
She recently hosted an open forum for BWOC, “How to Present Yourself as a Woman of Color in a Professional Setting,” resulting in being asked to host a discussion during black history month for “Get that Job Right.”
Valentine’s personal experience of being a first-generation college student and thrifting her way to professionalism, is how she speaks up for so many people and hosts workshops from the knowledge she received from those she has networked with.
“Seek your purpose. As women… we are courageous, we’re strong. I love the fact that we’re able to be so many things, we don’t have to fit in one category.” Said Valentine.
