In 2022, WPLN launched its first-ever Fellowship for nonprofit management. As part of this program, fellows will receive mentorship opportunities and hands-on training on practical skills needed to support and scale nonprofits. This year, WPLN continues this program with its fourth cohort of two outstanding young women.
Meet Valerie Hoyos, WPLN Fellow from Orlando, FL. Valerie is pursuing her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science Law and Justice, with a Minor in Philosophy and Middle East Studies, at North Carolina State University.
[WPLN]: What about WPLN’s mission do you feel most passionate about?
What I find most compelling about WPLN’s mission is its focus on building a dedicated community for women who are driven to pursue public leadership. This focus on community resonates deeply with me, a belief solidified during my time serving as Chapter President of my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta at NC State. In that role, I learned firsthand that meaningful change is rarely achieved in isolation and saw how a network of supportive women strengthens everyone's leadership. A network like WPLN’s creates this same ecosystem of empowerment, where mentorship, shared knowledge, and mutual support become the foundation for success.
What are you most looking forward to with your Fellowship?
Having had the amazing experience of attending the 2025 National Summit in Orlando last year, I am so excited to be a part of the formation of the event in Philadelphia this June. It was truly inspiring to see so many women come together to learn from one another, participate in engaging workshops, and hear from influential guest speakers who are leading the way in public service. As a fellow, I have the incredible opportunity of working with the WPLN team in the creation and implementation of bringing WPLN’s Fifth National Summit to life. I'm also eager to contribute new ideas and content to social media such as the Tips From The Trail podcast, helping to provide actionable advice and to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run for office and lead effectively.
What do you see as one of the biggest challenges for women in leadership today?
A significant barrier for women in leadership today stems from the societal expectation that women shoulder the primary responsibility for caregiving. This societal pressure often puts them in the difficult position of having to choose between their professional aspirations and their personal lives. That is why I so deeply admire the philosophy of WPLN, which moves beyond rhetoric to offer practical support like event childcare. This support sends a powerful message, empowering women to lead and encouraging them to balance both roles that they hold.
How do you plan to impact your community post-graduation?
After graduation, I'm excited to take the next step by attending law school, where I'll focus on international business law. My fluency in both Arabic and Spanish is a skill I am eager to apply professionally. Ultimately, I see myself working as a judge, but in the near term, my goal is to work in Washington, D.C. and impact policy change. I am particularly passionate about engaging with the diplomatic community and embassies to help advance foreign policy, whether that’s through strengthening commerce and trade agreements or promoting international humanitarian efforts. I believe my legal training and language skills will allow me to play a direct role in building a more cooperative and peaceful global community.
What is your favorite quote by a woman who has impacted your life?
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
This quote is a reminder that having women in leadership is not just about fairness or equality but about effectiveness. Decisions made by a homogenous group are inherently flawed because they are based on a narrow slice of human experience. When women are at the table, they bring different perspectives, experiences, and priorities that lead to more comprehensive, innovative, and just solutions. Justice Ginsburg knew that excluding women from a decision-making process means ignoring the needs and wisdom of half the population, ultimately leading to weaker outcomes.
Learn more about WPLN's Fellowship for Nonprofit Management here.