Meet Dr. Beatriz “Betty” Valencia | Politcal Activist/Organizer

When I decided to run for office in a historically conservative city, It took significant risks. I became used to the “look” of city council members, and none looked like me, reflecting my identities or experiences. It became apparent that I had to step up. With no political experience, I took the risk of being a newcomer candidate. At every turn, strategic decisions were made weighing the risks. Our team understood that without risk, the status quo would rarely be shaken.

While I did not graduate from highschool, I did take classes in my local community college. I overcame the challenges of paying for college and later university tuition. I worked part-time and attended school full-time, or I worked full-time and attended school part-time. This was the type of schedule I carried for years. In 2004, after finishing my Master’s, I thought I had reached my goals. I started to work in business and applied the many skills I learned. I was content, obtained promotions, recognitions, and many benefits, yet I felt incomplete. In the last several years, I became active in local politics. While electoral politics were new to me, being political was not. I grew up noticing the imbalances in our society/communities. I questioned many things growing up, but it wasn’t until I dedicated more time to politics that I realized the many complexities. I was also able to finally name the system wide racism that continues to be pervasive in our institutions.

In 2016 I started my Ph.D. program at Chapman Univerity, entered politics as the first openly queer immigrant woman running for city council, and continued to work full time. By 2020, I was instrumental in the historical changes in the city. I was named one of Orange County’s top 100 influencers and connected with others in intersectional movements. I have earned my Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and continue to work full time. The rest of my free time is dedicated to working toward equal rights, climate justice, education, immigration, and maintaining an active pulse in Orange County, CA. politics. What sets me apart is really my experience. While many others leaders and trailblazers have encountered many of the same challenges, we each carry a unique experience.

Each time I faced a challenge, or an obstacle, I leaned into what I knew best…hard work, commitment, and community. These are the pillars of my success and continued focus.

I would guide my friend to Chapman University Memorial Hall, where Martin Luther King spoke on December 10, 1961. Shortly after this visit (5 days), Dr. King was arrested along with hundreds of protestors in Georgia.

In that exact location, I would like to share that on April 14th, 2018, I met Angela Davis after she spoke about true intersectionality and historical memory. I would proudly share that same year, I presented Dolores Huerta with the Presidential Medal for her work in furthering equity and justice while wearing a Valencia4Orange pin on Oct 22, 2018, and note that she was the first person to endorse our campaign.

I would then move to the many historical places around the circle. One often overlooked/forgotten/ignored history is the civil rights abuses and the struggles to end the harmful segregation practices of Mexican School children that took place in Orange. Killefer School, for example, voluntary desegregation in the 1940s, and Cypress School was the LAST public school to close in 1944, three years AFTER the landmark decision Mendez et al. v. Westminster School District of Orange County et al. The history does not vanish. Pople do not forget, and the stories matter.

I would then navigate to El Molino de Oro for great Mexican food and buy fresh-made tortillas. I would visit Darya for delicious fine Persian food. Finally, for a bit of heaven- Luky’s Thai Pantry.  While there are many places to see and restaurants to visit, this itinerary would focus on the diversity and gifts often unappreciated in our city. I would recommend visitors to return and unpack how our history is reflected in our cities. I would end with a viewing of Dolores ( Documentary) and hope that the visit was enriching, motivating, and uplifting.