LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Enid Valdez was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Mrs. Valdez is a self-motivated, life-long learner and educator who is completely dedicated to the students she serves, be they young learners or adult learners. The processes and policies she has designed for adult education have yielded positive, long-lasting results with profound effects on the adult students. She empowers those she comes in contact with to rise to every opportunity presented to them. She does not expect any person to do something that she would not do herself. She believes that a hands-on approach is extremely effective and creates a bond between all parties involved. She willingly shares her knowledge and skills with anyone who is receptive to learning. Mrs. Valdez has initiated changes in the department to exponentially increase industry certifications in schools, which resulted in an increase in internships, job placement, graduation rates, and entrance to post-secondary education. She manages, maintains, and oversees adult state and federal grants. She conducts all functions related to district wide implementation of the SAT, ACT and AP Capstone programs. Mrs. Valdez has executed a well-received program of professional development courses for teachers and staff, providing staff with effective teaching strategies. Her efforts have resulted in higher graduation rates for her adult students.