“UMBC fosters a climate where students are encouraged to ask questions, make partnerships with professors, faculty, and staff, and work for academic success. I have had all of these experiences working in student government, and they have given me a sense of ownership and responsibility of the University. That sense of ownership will follow me wherever I go, in my workplace and in my community.”
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Valerie Parks
Plans: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Baltimore
B.S., Financial Economics
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown: Manchester, MarylandAs a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, Valerie hit the ground running her freshman year, quickly learning “how to be a humble yet active citizen” of UMBC and Baltimore. She has served as a leader in the Student Government Association throughout her time at UMBC, working her way up to the role of executive vice president, where she emphasized the importance of mental health, sustainability, and strengthening UMBC’s position in the community. She has volunteered at the College Gardens After-School Program, tutoring Baltimore City youth, and she also earned numerous academic honors as a member of the UMBC Honors College. This includes recently receiving the economics department’s Financial and Managerial Accounting Award.