Valerie Maldonado Sandoval

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

School: Legacy Early College High School

Valerie Maldonado Sandoval, a first-generation Salvadoran-Mexican American from Greenville, South Carolina, is the only daughter among four siblings. At home, she serves not only as a daughter but also as a translator, assistant, and mentor for her family. On track to earn an Associate degree in Science, she aspires to become a dentist. Valerie actively participates in academic clubs such as Mu Alpha Theta and the Beta Club, as well as community-based organizations like TeenSHARP. Her values are deeply shaped by her upbringing and environment, motivating her to advocate for the needs of her community. She believes that helping others creates a ripple effect benefiting future generations of Latinos. As a proud CHCI NextGen participant, Valerie looks forward to learning about public policy, strengthening her leadership skills, and connecting with fellow Latino leaders dedicated to creating lasting change.