Ibis Valdés

About Ibis Valdés

Ibis Valdés is a prominent advocate, public policy expert, and community leader, currently serving as the Director of Engagement for Miami-Dade County under Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. She previously served as President of the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, where she was instrumental in advancing civic engagement and voter education. Her collaborative efforts with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County have uplifted women-owned businesses and diverse communities, earning her a nomination for the September 2024 Thelma Gibson Awards for enhancing civic engagement and economic development.Formerly, Ibis served as the Hispanic Vote Director for the Florida Democratic Party, where she expanded Latino stakeholder engagement statewide and led culturally tailored initiatives like Hermanas en Acción. Her efforts demonstrated a keen ability to connect with diverse audiences while addressing their unique needs.Recognized as one of Brickell Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40 in May 2024, Ibis has consistently demonstrated her dedication to meaningful causes. She has collaborated with student activists to amplify awareness around support for survivors of sexual violence, notably through her involvement in the documentary The Hunting Ground (2015). Her work with the film garnered global recognition and led to an invitation to the Academy Awards by Lady Gaga’s team, where she championed the message of advocacy and change.Ibis’s academic achievements further underscore her dedication to human rights and public service. She earned a Master of Arts in International Law and Human Rights at the UN-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, focusing on International Development and Economic Rights, which deepened her understanding of the intersection between economic systems and human rights.Her expertise as a public speaker, consultant, and published writer is widely recognized. Her insightful work has appeared in respected outlets such as Univision, Washington Times, and Rare, where she offers thoughtful perspectives on topics including immigration, economic development, and women’s rights.Ibis was honored with an invitation to the White House in April 2024 for “Cuban-American Day” as a Cuban-American stakeholder in national policy discussions. This recognition underscores her influence in shaping dialogue and advancing initiatives for the Cuban-American community and beyond.

Experience

1. Director of Engagement - Office of the Mayor

   Miami-Dade County

   Jan 2025 — Present · Miami-Dade County, FL, US

   Lead public engagement initiatives for the Mayor’s Office, including a countywide series of budget town halls that connect residents with decision-makers to gather input on Miami‑Dade’s proposed $12 billion operating budget- Oversee the planning and staffing of community events across the county, ensuring the Mayor is visible, accessible, and aligned with community priorities throughout the budgeting process- Partner with 29 departments and more than employees to drive consistent public participation and coordinate messaging and logistics across all department-led outreach-Manage a strategic engagement team that supports both internal planning and external outreach efforts, facilitating clear, responsive communication between government and residents- Design and implement public participation strategies that enhance transparency, elevate budget literacy, and strengthen resident understanding of services and opportunities within county government.

Education

• University for Peace (UPEACE) - UN Mandated

  Master's in International Law and Human Rights, International Relations and Affairs

  2016 — 2017

• Gulliver Preparatory School

  High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate

  2006 — 2010

• Northeastern University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government

  2010 — 2015