Valentina Del Risco Sánchez
Marysville,WA
Summary
WWU alumna, educator, and advocate passionate about supporting and uplifting Latine and historically marginalized students through culturally responsive programming, mentorship, and community engagement. Dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where students feel represented, connected, and empowered to succeed academically and personally. Seeking to use my experiences in student leadership, outreach, education, and multicultural programming to continue building meaningful support systems for students at Western Washington University.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dual Language Teacher
Laventure Middle School
Mount Vernon, WA
08.2025 - Current
- Support a diverse student population in a dual language program serving a predominantly Latine community from ages 12 to 14.
- Build strong relationships with students and families through culturally responsive communication and support practices.
- Develop organizational, leadership, and relationship-building skills through classroom management, collaboration, and student advocacy.
- Create engaging lessons and learning environments that support student participation, accountability, and growth.
- Analyzed student performance data to drive instructional improvements and support individualized learning goals.
Student Program Specialist
WWU - Latine Student Center
Bellingham, WA
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Supported daily operations and programming for La Plaza, helping create an inclusive and welcoming environment for Latine students.
- Planned and coordinated cultural events, leadership opportunities, and community-building programs that promoted student engagement and belonging.
- Facilitated team meetings, delegated responsibilities, and collaborated with student leaders and campus partners during event planning and execution.
- Helped organize outreach initiatives and a Latino art fundraiser supporting the opening of a new cultural space.
- Connected students with campus resources and provided peer support through relationship-building and culturally responsive communication.
- Collaborated with multicultural organizations and university departments to strengthen outreach and student involvement.
Spanish Teacher
WWU - Employee Language Program
Bellingham, WA
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and facilitated engaging Spanish lessons for WWU faculty and employees.
- Adapted instruction to support different learning styles and levels of language proficiency.
- Created interactive learning environments that encouraged participation, communication, and cultural understanding.
Student Admissions Representative
WWU
Bellingham, WA
04.2023 - 06.2024
- Led campus tours for prospective students and families, representing university programs, student resources, and campus life.
- Advocated for the implementation of Spanish-language campus tours to improve accessibility for Spanish-speaking families.
- Supported prospective students of color through outreach events, panels, and individualized guidance during the college selection process.
- Fostered welcoming and informative experiences for students and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Trained new team members on best practices in student admissions support services.
- Collaborated with academic departments to streamline admissions processes and improve efficiency.
Marketing Intern
WWU Dining Services
Bellingham, WA
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Assisted with marketing and outreach efforts to promote campus events and dining programs.
- Contributed to inclusive communication strategies that reflected the diversity of the student community.
- Conducted market research on student preferences to inform menu development and service offerings.
- Supported social media campaigns by creating content that aligned with target audience interests.
- Analyzed feedback from dining surveys to identify areas for improvement and optimize customer satisfaction.
- Researched interesting and relevant content to capture interest and improve site traffic.
Education
Bachelor of Art Education -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Bellingham, WA06-2025
Bachelor of Spanish with Teaching Endorsement -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Bellingham, WA06-2025
Secondary Teaching Certificate -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Bellingham, WA03-2025
Associates in Arts -
Green River College (GRC)
Auburn, WA01-2022
Skills
- Student Engagement & Retention
- Multicultural & Culturally Responsive Programming
- Event Planning & Coordination
- Public Speaking & Group Facilitation
- Relationship Building & Mentorship
- Team Collaboration & Leadership
Certification
- Teaching English as a Secon Language (TESOL) Certification, WWU
Accomplishments
- Presidential Scholar — Western Washington University (2024–2025)
- Outstanding Graduate, Spanish Program — Western Washington University (2024–2025)
- Diversity Award Scholarship Recipient
LANGUAGES
Spanish - Native
English - Superior (ACTFL) | Proficient C2 (CEFR)
Affiliations
Educators of Color (EOC), WWU - Co-Founder & Co-Chair
2023 – 2025
- Co-founded a student organization focused on supporting future educators of color.
- Organized meetings, events, and initiatives centered on equity, representation, and student support.
- Collaborated with students, faculty, and campus organizations to build inclusive community spaces.
- Gained experience with club leadership, event planning processes, university forms, funding requests, and organizational procedures.
2023 – 2025
- Planned cultural and community events that promoted student engagement and representation.
- Supported outreach initiatives for Latine students and families.
- Assisted with event coordination, promotion, and campus collaboration.
- Developed knowledge of club operations, event planning requirements, university processes, and organizational logistics.
Presentations
Sí Se Pudo Celebration of graduates, Speaker
La Plaza Latine Student Center, WWU Bellingham, WA | 2025
Mentorship by Design: Guiding Principles for Connecting Language Education and Mentorship, Presenter
American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese (AATSP)
Portland, OR | 2024
Helen S. Smith: The Artist's Portfolio Student Show, Presenter
Green River College | 2020
Timeline
Dual Language Teacher
Laventure Middle School
08.2025 - Current
Student Program Specialist
WWU - Latine Student Center
08.2024 - 06.2025
Spanish Teacher
WWU - Employee Language Program
01.2024 - 06.2025
Student Admissions Representative
WWU
04.2023 - 06.2024
Marketing Intern
WWU Dining Services
08.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Art Education -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Bachelor of Spanish with Teaching Endorsement -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Secondary Teaching Certificate -
Western Washington University (WWU)
Associates in Arts -
Green River College (GRC)