Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Affiliations
Languages
Section name
Timeline
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Valerie Gonzales

Denver

Summary

Senior nonprofit leader with 20+ years advancing youth development, early childhood education, and family engagement. Skilled in unifying operations, program delivery, and data-driven outcomes to achieve organizational excellence. Experienced managing multimillion-dollar budgets (> $5M ARPA), building high-performing teams, and driving systemic solutions rooted in equity and evidence. Recognized for creating collaborative partnerships, cultivating strong organizational culture, and aligning strategy, staff development, and financial stewardship to ensure measurable youth impact.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Early Childhood Initiatives

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
03.2023 - Current
  • Lead strategic planning, operational alignment, and program implementation across Denver’s early childhood system.
  • Manage $2.38M ARPA portfolio, including childcare innovation, Family, Friend & Neighbor care, and community doula programs.
  • Convene the Denver Early Childhood Alliance (DECA), engaging 50+ cross-sector partners to align systems and improve outcomes.
  • Co-design infant/toddler pilot services with Denver Preschool Program (launching 2026).
  • Key Impact: Launched DECA framework unifying citywide stakeholders; secured first-ever funding for culturally rooted doula pilot serving BIPOC and immigrant families.

Interim Senior Policy Advisor

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
03.2022 - 03.2023
  • Oversaw 12 youth development programs and $2.6M budget (including ARPA violence-prevention funds).
  • Directed RFP process for 35 nonprofit partners from needs assessment to contract execution.
  • Built neighborhood-based collaborations to address youth violence.

Director of Early Childcare & Education

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
12.2017 - 03.2022
  • Expanded access in childcare deserts; opened bilingual childcare center in Globeville/Elyria-Swansea.
  • Supervised and mentored team members, interns, and contractors.
  • Launched Road to Reading Initiative with Denver Public Schools to improve literacy outcomes.

Director of Operations

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC)
09.2015 - 07.2017
  • Directed $750K annual budget and 7 staff; oversaw fundraising, operations, and program delivery.
  • Secured and managed Social Innovation Fund grant expanding FFN training statewide.

Program Director

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC)
08.2009 - 07.2015
  • Designed and delivered parent leadership programs closing achievement gaps.
  • Led grant management, compliance, and evaluation; co-developed PASO curriculum (aligned with CDA credential).

Teacher & Family Service Coordinator

Escuela Tlatelolco Dual Language School
06.2000 - 06.2008
  • Supported Spanish-speaking families with culturally relevant advocacy and services.
  • Taught ESL, Spanish Literature, and Montessori immersion grades 1–3.
  • Partnered with health and scholarship organizations to strengthen student success pathways.

Education

Six Sigma Black Belt Training -

Urban 95 Leadership Certificate - undefined

University of London
01.2023

Graduate Certificate - Early Childhood Leadership

University of Colorado Denver
01.2014

Certificate - Montessori Spanish Instructor

Montessori Education Center of the Rockies
01.2004

B.A. - Spanish

University of Colorado Denver
01.1991

Skills

  • Organizational Leadership & Strategic Planning
  • Youth Development & Program Innovation
  • Operations & Compliance Oversight
  • Staff Development & Inclusive Culture Building
  • Outcomes Measurement & Data-Driven Improvement
  • Cross-Sector Partnerships & Collective Impact
  • Fiscal Accountability & Grant Management
  • Equity-Centered Policy & Systems Change

Websites

Affiliations

  • Board Service
  • President, Roots Family Center (2018–Present)
  • Board Member, Denver Early Childhood Council (2020–Present)
  • Board Member, Colorado Circles for Change (2018–2023)
  • Selected Task Forces & Coalitions
  • Early Childhood Leadership Commission (2018–Present)
  • Denver Preschool Program – Quality Initiatives Committee (2019–Present)
  • Infant/Toddler Care Task Force (2019–Present)
  • Family Stability & Housing Alliance (2024–Present)
  • Youth Violence Prevention Task Force (2022–2023)
  • National League of Cities, Prenatal to Age 3 Cohort (2018–Present)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Section name

  • This version stays within two pages, elevates leadership + operational oversight, and mirrors the language of the VP role (strategy, outcomes, culture, operations).
  • Would you like me to also draft a tailored cover letter for Valerie, pulling out her strongest alignment points with the BGCA VP role (strategy, youth development, operations, equity, staff culture)?

Timeline

Director of Early Childhood Initiatives

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
03.2023 - Current

Interim Senior Policy Advisor

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
03.2022 - 03.2023

Director of Early Childcare & Education

City & County of Denver – Office of Children’s Affairs
12.2017 - 03.2022

Director of Operations

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC)
09.2015 - 07.2017

Program Director

Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (CSPC)
08.2009 - 07.2015

Teacher & Family Service Coordinator

Escuela Tlatelolco Dual Language School
06.2000 - 06.2008

Urban 95 Leadership Certificate - undefined

University of London

Graduate Certificate - Early Childhood Leadership

University of Colorado Denver

Certificate - Montessori Spanish Instructor

Montessori Education Center of the Rockies

B.A. - Spanish

University of Colorado Denver

Six Sigma Black Belt Training -

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