Sofia Cordoba Valencia

Class of 2024
B.A. in Global Studies and Chinese Studies
Hometown: West Orange, New Jersey

What communities do you claim membership within?

ResEd as an RA, Peer Health Advocate Program, Filipino Student Association, CMU Bhangra, Tartan Scholars

What areas of community engagement are you most passionate about?

I'm passionate about disparities in language accessibility across communities, as it affects the types of resources, as well as the quality of resources, that members can attain. I am also passionate about healthcare advocacy especially with regards to underserved, minority communities, with a particular interest in nutrition.

Why did you choose to become a fellow?

I chose to become a fellow because I have a great interest in working with underserved communities to uplift their strengths and amplify their voices, in order to meet the needs of community members. It wasn't until this past summer, where I got to intern at Casa San Jose, a Latinx resources center that serves the Southwestern PA region, that I truly realized my call to work within communities, developing bonds with members and meeting people where they are at. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the fellowship program provides me, in terms of exploring a space of community engagement, and gaining knowledge on how to best work alongside community members.

What are you enjoying most about the fellowship so far?

I am really enjoying the process of getting to know my fellow fellows, cultivating bonds founded in shared values and perspectives, while simultaneously celebrating our differences through deeper conversations. With regards to the course we are currently taking, I am enjoying gaining insight into real-world non-profits and community engagement initiatives, being able to hear from a variety of guest speakers from a diverse array of sectors.