Valentin is a native Spanish speaker originally from Mexico City, Mexico but moved to Laredo, Texas when he was only 9 years old. Being an immigrant and growing up in a Bordertown helped him understand the inequities that immigrants go through every day. During his undergrad years he had the opportunity to intern and volunteer as a legal assistant for several immigration organizations as well as work for the Diversity & Inclusion department at his university. The combination of his work experiences allowed him to understand the necessity of activism that goes behind the immigration field and admires nonprofit organizations such as American Gateways. Valentin graduated from St. Edward’s University, class 2021 with two degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice with an emphasis in pre-law and aims in becoming an immigration attorney one day. He enjoys long walks during Austin’s sunny days with the company of his hairless dog Coyoacan and a mangonada!