Valeria Martinez Gutierrez

About Valeria Martinez Gutierrez

I am a graduating honors student at Syracuse University triple majoring in Sociology, Geography, and Environment, Sustainability, and Policy and an incoming Masters of Public Health in Environmental Health with a concentration in Human Rights and Social Justice at Boston University. My honors thesis, "How Federal and Regional Regulatory Systems Perpetuate Environmental Racism and Injustice: Industrial Ethylene Oxide Emissions as a Case Study," examines the structural and regulatory mechanisms which reproduce environmental health inequities in marginalized communities exposed to industrial ethylene oxide emissions. I currently serve as an opinions columnist for the Daily Orange, writing strong columns ranging from current events and social justice to health disparities. I'm committed to building culturally competent community on campus and founded the Latinè Honors Society at Syracuse University as a first year, empowering Latine students to celebrate their culture while achieving academic success and serve as the Mexican Student Association President for the 20••••26 academic school year.

Experience

1. Community Organizing Intern

   Rio Grande International Study Center

   Jun 2026 — Present · Laredo, TX

   I work with RGISC on binational air quality across Laredo and Nuevo Laredo. I organize community outreach around our PM2.5 sensor network and help run engagement for the Binational Air Council. My work brings residents on both sides of the border into decisions about the air they share.

2. Retail Associate

   Barnes & Noble, Inc.

   Jan 2026 — May 2026 · Syracuse, NY

   Working as a Campus Retail Associate at a Barnes & Noble college bookstore as a senior undergraduate student leader is best described as a fast-paced, community-oriented, and service-driven role that bridges the gap between student life and campus operations. It is a "vibrant hub" role that demands balancing high-volume, peak-period demands (especially during semester start/end) with friendly, knowledgeable service for students, faculty, and alumni. My initiative and quick-learning skills has made it an easy environment to adapt and thrive at the job in

3. Research Fellow

   Health Effects Institute

   May 2025 — Aug 2025 · San Diego, California, United States

   The Health Effects Institute (HEI) is a nonprofit, independent research organization that provides impartial science to inform decisions that foster a healthier environment and better health for all. With joint funding from government and industry, HEI funds, oversees, and evaluates research for informing important technology and policy decisions. The HEI Summer Fellowship program, in partnership with the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) and International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE), is a 10-week full-time research program for rising college juniors and seniors in the United States. The program supports highly qualified undergraduate students who would not otherwise have a similar opportunity by matching each fellow with a research mentor to pursue a tailored environmental health project. The program is supported by the American Chemistry Council and individual donors.

4. Legal Advisor

   The AIRE Centre

   Sep 2024 — Dec 2024 · London Area, United Kingdom

   As a Legal Adviser Intern at The AIRE Centre, I will be involved in all preparatory work for pending cases before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). My role includes conducting thorough legal research to support ongoing cases and managing correspondence with clients, the Court, and other legal professionals. I will be maintaining detailed case files and contributing to legal articles for both The AIRE Centre's publications and external journals. Additionally, I participate in various projects, offering legal research for The AIRE Centre's advice service line, and represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and seminars. My responsibilities also extend to handling administrative tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of our legal work.

5. Community Outreach Specialist

   Laredo Immigrant Alliance

   Jul 2024 — Aug 2025 · Laredo, Texas, United States

   Key Responsibilities: - Community Outreach: Plan and organize community meetings, workshops, and events to promote engagement and education. - Support Services: Directly assist immigrant families by answering inquiries and connecting them with vital resources. - Research and Advocacy: Conduct in-depth research on issues impacting the immigrant community, preparing comprehensive reports on policy changes and their effects. - Social Media and Communications: Create and schedule compelling content for social media to raise awareness about the organization's activities and immigration-related issues through memes and content creation - Volunteer Coordination: Assist in recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for various programs and events. - Event Planning: Help plan and execute community events, including logistics, volunteer coordination, surveys, and post-event evaluations. Mission: Through my role, I contribute to the Laredo Immigrant Alliance’s mission of supporting immigrant communities via education, advocacy, organizing, and engagement..

6. Research Assistant for the Engaged Humanities Dept.

   Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences

   Sep 2023 — Jul 2024 · Syracuse, New York, United States

   🌿 Thrilled to share my latest career milestone: I've officially stepped into the role of Research Assistant at the Engaged Humanities Department! 🌍 My journey began as an intern, where I contributed as a co-author to this year's Environmental Storytelling Guide. 📖✨ This experience not only fueled my passion for environmental advocacy but also paved the way for my current position. As a Research Assistant, I'm continuing to support the environmental storytelling initiative while diving into a new project. I'll be collaborating with the team on developing a database that aims to connect local environmental efforts and organizations, fostering unity and empowerment within our community. 🤝💚 This ongoing position is an incredible opportunity to contribute meaningfully and amplify collective efforts toward a sustainable future. Grateful for the journey so far and excited for the impactful work that lies ahead! 🚀🌱 #EngagedHumanities #EnvironmentalEmpowerment #CareerMilestones

7. Philanthropy Chairperson

   Syracuse University Mexican Student Association

   Jul 2023 — Sep 2024 · Syracuse, New York, United States

   Thrilled to hold the esteemed position of Philanthropy Chair at Mexsa, where my primary focus is on fostering collaboration and community engagement. As a liaison between Mexsa and La Casita, my role extends beyond logistical coordination; it's about weaving a narrative of unity and celebration of our rich Latine heritage. Through strategic planning and execution, we amplify the impact of our events, turning each gathering into a vibrant tapestry of cultural pride and connection. My commitment to Mexsa's mission is deeply rooted in the belief that cultural understanding is the cornerstone of a strong, unified community. Beyond organizing events, I aspire to create platforms that not only showcase but actively empower individuals to embrace and take pride in their cultural identities. The intersection of Mexsa and La Casita provides a unique opportunity to cultivate an inclusive environment that transcends borders and backgrounds. Gratitude fills me for the chance to contribute to Mexsa's vision, where each event becomes a testament to the strength found in the diverse threads of our shared Latine heritage. This journey is more than a role; it's a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and celebration within our academic community. 🌎🇲🇽 #Mexsa #PhilanthropyChair #LatineHeritage #CommunityCelebration

8. Research Assistant

   La Casita Cultural Center

   Jun 2023 — Jul 2024 · Syracuse, New York, United States

   Research Assistant (RA) at La Casita Cultural Center | Summer 2023 & Fall 2023 I am excited to announce that I have been selected as a Research Assistant (RA) at La Casita Cultural Center for the Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 sessions. This paid position, funded by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Engagement (SOURCE), offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the examination of best practices in producing community-based co-curricular programming. As an RA, I will be actively involved as both a researcher and participant, providing valuable insights into how La Casita can effectively support co-curricular projects while ethically meeting the needs of the community. With an interdisciplinary approach, I will have the chance to contribute perspectives from my own discipline while gaining exposure to various fields. During the summer session, I will observe and support programming, immersing myself in the community's activities. In the fall, I will have the opportunity to develop and implement my own co-curricular program or project at La Casita, applying my research findings to create a meaningful impact. I look forward to this enriching experience as a Research Assistant at La Casita Cultural Center, where I can contribute to community-driven initiatives while expanding my knowledge and skills in co-curricular programming.

9. Intern

   Environmental Storytelling of CNY

   Jun 2023 — Nov 2023 · Syracuse, New York, United States

   Environmental Intern at Engaged Humanities Network | SUNY ESF's Writing, Rhetoric, and Communications Program I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as an Environmental Intern at the Engaged Humanities Network, working in collaboration with SUNY ESF's Writing, Rhetoric, and Communications Program. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to an annual series of events, programs, and courses that aim to deepen our understanding of and strengthen our responses to the impacts of the climate crisis on Central New York and interconnected ecosystems worldwide. Coordinated by SU's Engaged Humanities Network and SUNY ESF's Writing, Rhetoric, and Communications Program, this series brings together scholars, teachers, students, artists, and community leaders in pursuit of mutual understanding and collective action. By leveraging scientific expertise, artistic expression, and humanistic interpretation, we aim to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. As an intern, I will have the chance to develop essential skills in community liaison, web design and management, and content creation. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the intersection of environmental issues, communication strategies, and community engagement. Throughout the internship, I will be under the guidance of Brian Nordquist, a renowned expert in the field. With Brian's mentorship, I will have the opportunity to learn from his wealth of experience and contribute to impactful initiatives that foster positive change. I am excited to embark on this internship and contribute to the Engaged Humanities Network's mission of deepening our understanding of the climate crisis and fostering collective action. Together, we can make a difference in Central New York and beyond, creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

10. Intern at Admissions Office

    Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences

    Aug 2022 — May 2025 · Syracuse, NY

Education

• Syracuse University

  Bachelor's degree · Environment, Sustainability, & Policy, Geography, & Sociology

  2022 — 2026

• Boston University School of Public Health

  Master's Degree · Environmental Health

• United High School

  GED · None

  2018 — 2022

Skills

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Project Planning
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Critical Thinking
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Legal Administration
• Italian
• Environmental Awareness
• Report Writing
• Social Policy
• Project Management
• Writing
• Communication
• Community Relations Management
• Environmental Reporting
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Human Resources (HR)
• Research Skills
• Customer Experience
• Problem Solving
• Youth Empowerment
• Spanish
• Community Outreach
• Scholarly Research
• Public Speaking
• Volunteer Management
• Creativity and Innovation
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Advertising
• Time Management
• Community Development
• Non-profit Development
• Strategic Communications
• Organizational Development
• Qualitative Research
• Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
• Teaching
• Personal Assistance