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 more than 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