Valerie Gonzales (she/her)
Laredo, Texas
Born on the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas, Valerie Gonzales grew to embrace her bicultural heritage and connection to the Rio Grande, which naturally runs between her two beloved countries. Gonzales's passion for healthy food systems and learning led her to Fernland.
She is an active community organizer in the Valley, with ongoing projects Laredo Sustainable, a coalition focusing on climate change on the border and the Laredo Community Fridge, the city's first community fridge feeding folks through mutual aid. Gonzales enjoys thrifting, spending time outdoors and engaging in community events.