Carmen Penaloza Valdez

Carmen (she/they) is a first-generation Queer Chicana born in San Diego while being raised between SD and Tijuana. She is going into her third year at San Diego State University majoring in Psychology with an Emphasis in Neuroscience, alongside a minor in Counseling and Social Change. Carmen has spent the last two years deeply engaged with the Women’s Resource Center at SDSU, evolving from a volunteer to a Women and Gender Equity (WAGE) Mentor. To enhance her mentorship and mental health support skills, she also serves as a Bilingual Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line, providing essential comfort to those in need. Passionate about driving change on campus, Carmen is actively involved in Active Minds, a mental health awareness club, and has recently been elected as the College of Sciences Council Representative. Additionally, she plays a vital role on the Student Diversity Commission, advocating for underrepresented communities. Carmen is thrilled to join the inaugural cohort of the Youth Will LEAD Fellowship, eager to grow personally and collaborate with fellow members to achieve their shared goals!