Ana Valenzuela

National Vice President for the Elderly, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

Ana Valenzuela is a veteran community advocate and educator who currently serves as the National Vice President for the Elderly for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

Born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, Valenzuela graduated at the age of 16 from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and began her career helping to run a pilot program for Head Start. After marrying, she relocated to Tucson and joined Pima Community College, where she steadily rose through the ranks of various offices and divisions, ultimately serving as Special Assistant to the College President.

While at Pima, Valenzuela became deeply involved in the Chicano/a Movement, collaborating with Teatro Campesino and other theater groups to educate the Latinx community about public health issues. It was also at Pima that she was introduced to LULAC, sparking what would become a lifelong commitment to civil rights and civic engagement.

Over the years, Valenzuela has taken on numerous leadership roles within LULAC, with a particular focus on youth, women, education, and—most recently—older persons. Her decades of service reflect a steadfast dedication to equity, empowerment, and ensuring that Latino voices are heard across generations and sectors.

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Panel Information

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE - Fueling the Next Wave of Latina Entrepreneurs

9:30 AM

This session tackles the economic roadblocks Latinas face—barriers to capital, exclusion from key networks, and a persistent underestimation of their potential. Yet from leading breakthroughs in tech and AI to organizing hospitality workers across Southern California and Arizona, Latinas are turning struggle into strength. This is economic empowerment in action—rooted in labor, innovation, and a deep commitment to community. They're not just participating in the economy—they're redefining it on their terms.