AMERICA VALDEZ

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

As the director of human resources at Community Legal Aid SoCal (CLA SoCal), America Valdez joined the organization almost three years ago in the midst of the pandemic. After assessing the existing human resources (HR) structure, she implemented a fully integrated HR management system in her first year and transitioned the department to a paperless workspace. She formalized and improved employee recruiting, hiring, and onboarding processes and revamped the performance management process, which has led to improved performance and employee morale.

Valdez successfully oversees some of the most difficult and complex non-legal related projects in the organization. She’s currently leading a three-year systems assessment and training project.

Undoubtedly, she embodies the CLA SoCal values of accountability, compassion, collaboration, equity, and trust in her work and in her interactions. She brings poise and skill in evaluating and responding to challenging HR situations and other complex issues that arise in the organization.

Valdez is creative and flexible in her approach, eloquently balancing the needs of the staff with the organizational goals. She remains open and curious to other perspectives and is a valued and trusted thought partner as a member of the leadership team and CLA SoCal’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee.