Amelia Velazquez Valencia

Amelia Velazquez Valencia is a first-generation college graduate from California State University, Stanislaus, where she earned a B.S. in Computer Science. Born in San Jose and raised in Salida and Modesto, CA, she is the proud middle child of a family of seven and a devoted tia. Her parents are from Michoacán, Mexico, and her roots strongly influence her passion for community and service.

During her undergraduate years, she became deeply involved in campus leadership and service. She served as a Board Director for the University Student Center, where she launched an Art Competition & Showcase to feature student creativity. She worked for 2.5 years as a classroom support technician in the Office of Information Technology and dedicated two years as a College Corps (AmeriCorps) fellow, contributing to K–12 education, climate action, and food security initiatives. She also gained research and technical experience in machine learning. As an intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), she developed a stacked neural network model for material systems classification. Through her university’s LSAMP program, she created a 2D convolutional neural network model to detect cervical spine fractures in CT scans and represented CSU Stanislaus at the CSU-wide research competition in Humboldt.

Currently, she works as a Youth Development Professional at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County, where she inspires and mentors the next generation of leaders. She is also building her creative agency, Prismatic Techie, pursuing her real estate license, and completing certifications in data science, cybersecurity, and paralegal studies. She is actively preparing to take the USPTO Patent Bar Exam as part of her long-term goal of becoming a Patent Attorney.

As a NextGen on Board Fellow, Abigail is serving a two-year term on NPO Board of Directors beginning October 2025.