Valerie Fernandez-Perez

Valerie Fernandez-Perez is a rising senior at Green Forest High School in rural Arkansas. As the daughter of immigrant parents, she has developed a strong commitment to educational opportunity and amplifying underrepresented voices. Valerie served on Senator John Boozman’s Congressional Youth Cabinet, where she researched maternal and infant health issues affecting Arkansans, and is a youth advisor for the Carroll County Hometown Health Coalition, advocating for healthier communities across her region.

She is also an active musician, serving in leadership roles within her school band and performing as a bassist in her church choir. Valerie applied to CHCI NextGen because she hopes to learn from other Latino leaders, strengthen her leadership skills, and better understand how public policy can create meaningful change for underserved communities. She plans to pursue a future in public service and advocacy, working to ensure that all voices are represented in the decisions that shape communities.