Women’s History Spotlight: Get To Know Giuliana Valencia-Banks

Since she was named Baltimore County’s first immigrant affairs outreach coordinator in 2021, Giuliana Valencia-Banks has been making a huge impact on the wellbeing of immigrant communities across Baltimore County.

She is part of Baltimore County’s Office of Community and Engagement and serves as a liaison for immigrant communities. She also works to ensure the County Executive’s office operates with a multicultural lens to support the County’s diversifying population.

Valencia-Banks joined Baltimore County after last serving as the outreach and operations manager at the Esperanza Center of Catholic Charities of Baltimore.

For Women’s History Month, we spoke with Valencia-Banks about her role and hopes for the future.

What are your current responsibilities and how did you get there?

I serve as the County's first immigration affairs outreach coordinator. I am a conduit between the County government and New American communities. I work with various stakeholders to promote New American integration and inclusion. I have spent the last 15 years working with New Americans in various capacities in the nonprofit sector.

As a woman, what are the most significant barriers you had to overcome to thrive in your role, in the industry or in the workplace?

As a Latina immigrant, implicit bias, racism, and navigating others' insecurities have been the most significant barriers I have had to overcome in the workplace.

What motivated you to keep going and achieve your goals regardless of gender bias?

The communities I serve and the knowledge that I can use my privilege for the greater good.

What is your favorite lesson or memory from your career journey thus far?

Patience, but it is also my least favorite.

What do you want your legacy to be?

The work I've done to create a more just world.

What women in history do you find especially inspiring?

Dolores Huerta and Ida B Wells.

What should leaders do to empower the next generation of women leaders and what advice would you give to women looking to follow in your footsteps?

Leaders should elevate women's voices, listen to them and know when to step back and let them lead. My advice would be never to let fear make you lower your voice or stay silent because you are afraid to offend others.

For allies, how can they better support women?

When you witness questionable behavior, call it out, and hold other people in positions of privilege accountable.

Valencia-Banks will be a keynote speaker for the Women's History Month Symposium March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Randallstown Community Center.

The symposium will allow residents to hear from prominent local women and changemakers who are leaders in various industries, and will focus on how they achieved their success.