El Monte Promise Foundation Board of Directors Names Valerie Cuevas as Executive Director
Cuevas returns to her hometown of El Monte to steer the foundation into its next era of impact
EL MONTE, CA – The El Monte Promise Foundation (EMPF) Board of Directors proudly announces the selection of Valerie Cuevas as its next Executive Director, effective immediately.
Cuevas, a nationally recognized leader with a career devoted to increasing access to high-quality educational opportunities for all youth, returns to her hometown of El Monte to steer the foundation into its next era of impact.
With extensive experience in nonprofits, government, and philanthropy, Cuevas has consistently driven positive systemic change for students and families. Most recently, she mobilized the California Community Foundation’s Summer Learning Initiative, a three-year $16.6 million partnership effort with 130 youth serving organizations in Los Angeles County to provide academic, social-emotional wellness, and recreational activities to nearly 200,000 children and their families during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, her work at Silicon Valley Community Foundation facilitated local implementation of statewide reforms in education, immigrant inclusion, housing, and civic participation. At Education Trust–West, Cuevas was instrumental in organizing grassroots advocacy in support of California’s historic Local Control Funding Formula and expanding student access to financial aid.
An El Monte native and graduate of Rio Vista Elementary, Charles E. Gidley School, and Rosemead High School, Cuevas combines professional know-how with lived experience. She holds an M.S. in Educational Psychology, Administration & Counseling from California State University, Long Beach, and a B.A. in Political Science & Sociology from the University of Southern California.
“Valerie is the right leader for this moment,” said Maria Romero Morales, President of the EMPF Board of Directors. “She has an unmatched record of aligning resources with community priorities and turning bold strategies into measurable results. As an El Monte native, she brings not only professional expertise, but also a deep understanding of our families’ strengths, struggles, and aspirations.”
As Executive Director, Cuevas will lead EMPF in advancing seamless cradle-to-college-and-career pathways, strengthening partnerships with local districts and community, increasing investment in the region’s students, and championing best practices that improve outcomes for young people in El Monte, South El Monte, and neighboring communities.
“Catalyzing cradle-to-career opportunities for youth and families, while staying connected to my hometown is a tremendous privilege,” stated Cuevas. “I am honored to join the El Monte Promise Foundation.”
About the El Monte Promise Foundation
The El Monte Promise Foundation (EMPF) ensures every child in the El Monte region has the support, tools, and opportunities to thrive in school, graduate from college, and pursue a meaningful career. EMPF advances cradle-to-college-and-career pathways in close collaboration with families, schools, community organizations, and public agencies.Learn more at promisenow.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Audrey Dow, Secoya Affect
October 14, 2025 310-402-8858 | AudreyDowConsults@gmail.com
Mighty Kids Monday for kids 5-17 years old @Arceo Park – 3125 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731
August 3 – 3pm-8:30pm – DEMBA Sizzlin’ Car Show – on Main Street, El Monte
August 8 – 3pm-7pm
- Open House at Rio Hondo Community College El Monte Education Center – 3017 Tyler Avenue El Monte, CA 91731
- El Monte Library – 3224 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731
- El Monte Historical Museum – 3150 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731
- La Historia Museum – 3240 Tyler Ave, El Monte, CA 91731
August 9 – 10am-2pm – LA Care and Blue Shield Promise Backpack Giveaway – @LA Care and Blue Shield Promise Community Resource Center – 3570 Santa Anita Ave, El Monte, CA 91731
August 22 – 4:30pm-8pm – Ready, Set, Backpack @El Monte Farmers’ Market – Main Street, El Monte
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What can I do to be ready?
- I utilize a planner to organize my day and track deadlines
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- I remember to stay professional on social media and can set limits on my screen time
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- I know that I need to return my “Intent to Register” forms to my chosen college before May 1st of my Senior year.
Extra credit and boosting your application
- I understand that dual enrollment classes can offer transfer credits for UC/CSU.
- I have joined a college access program at my school (Upward Bound, Cal-Soap, Talent Search, AVID).
- I have at least 2 people in mind to ask for a letter of recommendation.
- I understand that colleges favor applications with extra curricular involvement such as: sports, clubs or internships.
Are you on track academically?
- I am on track to complete the A-G requirements
- I understand the minimum requirements to be eligible to apply to a CSU or UC
- I know that a passing score on AP exams can earn college credit in general education or lower division major courses
- I am drafting my responses to the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) and receiving feedback
Who can help me get ready?
- I am on track to complete the A-G requirements
- I have begun exploring job interests using a career interest survey at my high school Career Center
- I understand how to connect with school staff for support with academic and socio-emotional resources.
What can I do to be ready?
- I utilize a planner to organize my day and track deadlines
- I take on equal responsibility when working with a group
- I remember to stay professional on social media and can set limits on my screen time
Financial Aid, Scholarships and Saving for College
- I have a 529 account to help me save for college.
- I understand basic finance (e.g. tax, income, good credit, insurance).
- I understand the concept of borrowing money, such as student loans, and how to navigate a healthy. relationship with finance.
- I know what scholarships I qualify for and the benefits of each.
Finding your Destination
- I know the dates CSU, UC and financial aid applications (FAFSA, Dream Act) open.
Extra credit and boosting your application
- I understand that dual enrollment classes can offer transfer credits for UC/CSU.
- I have joined a college access program at my school (Upward Bound, Cal-Soap, Talent Search, AVID).
- I have at least 2 people in mind to ask for a letter of recommendation.
- I understand that colleges favor applications with extra curricular involvement such as: sports, clubs or internships.
Are you on track academically?
- I am on track to complete the A-G requirements
- I understand the minimum requirements to be eligible to apply to a CSU or UC
- I know that a passing score on AP exams can earn college credit in general education or lower division major courses
Who can help me get ready?
- I am on track to complete the A-G requirements
- I have begun exploring job interests using a career interest survey at my high school Career Center
- I understand how to connect with school staff for support with academic and socio-emotional resources.
What can I do to be ready?
- I utilize a planner to organize my day and track deadlines
- I take on equal responsibility when working with a group
- I remember to stay professional on social media and can set limits on my screen time
Financial Aid, Scholarships and Saving for College
- I have a 529 account to help me save for college.
- I understand basic finance (e.g. tax, income, good credit, insurance).
- I understand the concept of borrowing money, such as student loans, and how to navigate a healthy. relationship with finance.
- I know what scholarships I qualify for and the benefits of each.
Extra credit and boosting your application
- I have joined a college access program at my school (Upward Bound, Cal-Soap, Talent Search, AVID).
- I understand that dual enrollment classes can offer transfer credits for UC/CSU.
Are you on track academically?
- I am on track to complete the A-G requirements
- I understand the minimum requirements to be eligible to apply to a CSU or UC
- I know that a passing score on AP exams can earn college credit in general education or lower division major courses
Who can help me get ready?
- I have begun exploring job interests using a career interest survey at my high school Career Center
- I understand how to connect with school staff for support with academic and socio-emotional resources.
What can I do to be ready?
- I utilize a planner to organize my day and track deadlines
- I take on equal responsibility when working with a group
- I remember to stay professional on social media and can set limits on my screen time
Financial Aid, Scholarships and Saving for College
- I have a 529 account to help me save for college.
- I understand basic finance (e.g. tax, income, good credit, insurance).
- I understand the concept of borrowing money, such as student loans, and how to navigate a healthy. relationship with finance.
- I know what scholarships I qualify for and the benefits of each.
Extra credit and boosting your application
- I have joined a college access program at my school (Upward Bound, Cal-Soap, Talent Search, AVID).
- I understand that dual enrollment classes can offer transfer credits for UC/CSU